Cucuteni–Trypillia Cultural Route Presented at European Forum in Chișinău. Strategic Initiative for the Shared Heritage of Eastern Europe

In a moment of major significance for the promotion of the shared cultural heritage of Eastern Europe, the documentation project for the Cucuteni–Trypillia Cultural and Historical Route was publicly presented for the first time during an international event held in Chișinău, Republic of Moldova.

The seminar titled “The Republic of Moldova in the Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe” brought together cultural institutions, experts, and coordinators of European routes, providing a platform for dialogue on integrating regional initiatives into the cultural network of the Council of Europe.

Within this framework, the initial conceptual form and progress of the Cucuteni–Trypillia Route were presented, a developing project supported by institutional partners from Romania, the Republic of Moldova, and Ukraine.

Official presentation and international representation

The intervention was delivered by Mrs. Ana-Roxana Șlemco, Executive Director of the Regional Studies Center within ADR Nord-Est România, representing the international consortium involved in developing the route.

The consortium includes the Oficiul Național al Turismului din Republica Moldova, structures within ADR Tavria and the Association of Communities from Ukraine, as well as the ITERVITIS initiative, alongside a scientific committee composed of historians, archaeologists, and museum specialists from the three participating countries.

The presentation was addressed to representatives of European cultural routes and to the certification body designated by the Consiliul Europei, the institution responsible for evaluating and approving cultural routes within the European framework.

The Cucuteni–Trypillia Route – archaeological heritage and shared cultural identity

The Cucuteni–Trypillia Cultural Route highlights one of the oldest and most complex prehistoric civilizations in Europe, spanning the territories of present-day Romania, the Republic of Moldova, and Ukraine.

The initiative aims not only at preserving and promoting archaeological heritage but also at strengthening a framework of cross-border cultural cooperation capable of generating joint projects in cultural tourism, education, and scientific research.

The project is designed as a tool for regional development based on the valorization of historical heritage, integrated into the European Cultural Routes network.

Strategic dimension and regional impact

Beyond its cultural component, the project carries a strategic dimension, contributing to the strengthening of institutional and cultural ties among participating states.

The Cucuteni–Trypillia Route is envisioned as a long-term cooperation mechanism that transforms shared heritage into a resource for sustainable development, international visibility, and intercultural dialogue.

The initiative aligns with European objectives regarding heritage protection and the development of transnational cultural networks, currently being in the phase of consolidating its application dossier and implementation structure.

A first step toward European recognition

The presentation in Chișinău marks a key milestone in the project’s development, representing its first official public exposure before relevant European stakeholders.

The initiative confirms the growing interest in cultural projects that transcend national borders and contribute to building a shared cultural identity in Eastern Europe.

In the coming period, the project will continue its documentation and institutional consolidation process, with the aim of achieving recognition as an official European Cultural Route.