Final Conference of the Mystical Danube Project Held in Bucharest

As part of the project Mystical Danube project (Interreg Danube Region 2021–2027), the final conference named "Routes Connecting People" was held on May 26, 2026, at the Palace of the Parliament (Human Rights Hall) in Bucharest, Romania. The event was organized by the project partner, The Ministry of Economy, Entrepreneurship, and Tourism of Romania.

The conference was opened by Minister Ambrozie Irineu Darău (Ministry of Economy, Digitalization, Entrepreneurship, and Tourism of Romania), followed by introductory statements from national representatives of the partner countries, Diana-Anda Buzoianu (Minister, Ministry of Environment, Romania) and the State Secretary from the Ministry of Tourism of Bulgaria.

Following the opening remarks, representatives of the Zadar County Rural Development Agency (AGRRA), the lead partner of the project, took the floor. Ivica Pintur, the director of AGRRA, delivered the welcome speech on the significance of the Mystical Danube project for the rural areas of Zadar County. Matej Mikulić, Head of the Department for Project Preparation and Implementation, then presented the project key activities, results, and achievements. Special emphasis was placed on the „Strategy for the Valorisation of Natural and Intangible Cultural Heritage in Less Visited Areas of the Danube Region“, which was co-presented by AGRRA and the organization CEEweb for Biodiversity from Hungary. This strategy is built upon strong community involvement at local, regional, and national levels, aimed at creating a powerful transnational impact. As part of this session, representatives from the City Development Agency Banja Luka (Bosnia and Herzegovina) presented the transnational route developed within the project „Green and Mystical Danube Storytelling Route“.

In the afternoon session, the presentations resumed with Cristina Lixăndroiu, representing the Danurb International Association, who spoke on the topic of tradition shaping the future (Danurb International Association: A Story of Tradition Shaping the Future). This was followed by a presentation on incremental intangible cultural heritage, safeguarding, and community resilience, delivered by project manager Marimona Mirou.

The official language of the conference was English, with simultaneous translation into Romanian. The first day of the program concluded with a guided walking tour through Calea Victoriei and the Old Town of Bucharest for all partners and stakeholders, followed by a welcome dinner.