Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe – an Untapped Opportunity for Presenting Bulgarian Cultural and Historical Heritage

The Cultural Routes Programme of the Council of Europe, launched in 1987, is a journey through space and time uniting European citizens through cultural diversity and shared values. Its mission is to protect cultural and natural heritage, to promote intercultural dialogue and a common European identity. To date, 48 European cultural routes have been certified, yet Bulgaria's presence on this pan-European cultural map is notably absent. This report explores the country's potential to actively join the Programme and problematizes the need for common and coordinated efforts between state and local authorities in partnership with business and research centres to better integrate, preserve and socialise Bulgaria's tangible and intangible cultural heritage at European level.