“Culture and Belonging: Strengthening Territorial Cohesion through Identity and EU Funds”

The Local Dialogue demonstrated that culture, heritage and a sense of belonging are fundamental drivers of territorial cohesion, particularly in rural and demographically challenged regions. Representatives of Neamț County (Romania), the South Moravian Region (Czechia), and Varde Municipality (Denmark), as well as the cities of Pleternica (Croatia) and Vinkovci (Croatia), highlighted that people stay, return and invest in their communities when they feel emotionally connected to their identity, and when EU funds reinforce that connection through sustainable, inclusive and culturally grounded development models.
In her opening remarks, Marija Šarić, Mayor of Pleternica from Požeško-slavonska County (Croatia) and Member of the European Committee of the Regions, underlined that culture — when combined with Cohesion Policy instruments — builds pride, identity and opportunity, enabling citizens to remain in their regions by choice rather than necessity. She emphasised the importance of the Museum of Bećarac, which preserves the living heritage of the bećarac — a humorous, poetic musical expression of Slavonia — strengthening intergenerational ties and cultural identity.
Neamț County (Romania) showcased how cultural landscapes and spiritual routes, such as the Via Mariae and the Romanian Camino, serve as instruments of cohesion and community revitalisation. Mona-Magdalena Țigănuș, Head of Tourism, Corporate Governance & Communication (online), emphasised that these routes are not only heritage assets but living pathways where identity, spirituality and community meet. She highlighted that they provide young people with meaningful reasons to return, help families regain confidence in building their future locally, and—when reinforced by EU funds—strengthen cultural belonging, local resilience and sustainable regional development.
The South Moravian Region (Czechia), represented by František Hasoň, Member of the Regional Assembly (online), stressed the value of participatory approaches in culture and the importance of measuring belonging through community engagement. He highlighted the Cyril and Methodius Route as a powerful cohesion element that connects European peoples through shared historical and spiritual heritage, fosters cross-border cooperation and enhances sustainable cultural tourism.
Varde Municipality (Denmark), presented by Marie Feddersen, Project Manager, demonstrated how culture fosters social resilience. She highlighted the Klub Eksilvestjyder, an initiative that reconnects people who have left the region with those who remain, showing how cultural engagement and community-driven initiatives sustain identity and belonging even at a distance.
The City of Vinkovci (Croatia), through Mayor Josip Romić, illustrated how 8,300 years of uninterrupted urban life shape the city’s contemporary development. He highlighted the 60th anniversary of the Vinkovci Autumn Festival, a cornerstone of Croatian folklore, which strengthens the cultural identity of Vinkovci, Slavonia and the nation. EU investments in cultural infrastructure further contribute to retaining and attracting young people.
Participants agreed that although economic circumstances are often decisive in outmigration, cultural identity and belonging are crucial emotional incentives for returning, staying or actively contributing to community life.
A clear shared message emerged: Culture is the connective tissue of territorial cohesion, and EU Cohesion Policy is the mechanism that sustains and strengthens it.