AEPJ participates in the 2025 Cultural Routes Training Academy in Portugal
From 11 to 13 June 2025, the AEPJ – European Association for the Preservation and Promotion of Jewish Culture and Heritage – took part in the 12th edition of the Cultural Routes Training Academy of the Council of Europe. Held across Torres Vedras, Arruda dos Vinhos, and Vila Franca de Xira in Portugal, the event brought together over 70 participants representing more than 30 certified Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe.
The Training Academy, jointly organised by the European Institute of Cultural Routes, the European Federations of Napoleonic Cities and Iter Vitis, and several Portuguese institutions, was dedicated this year to the theme of “Cooperation and Cultural Routes.” It served as a unique platform for capacity building, strategic dialogue, and cross-route exchange.
Victor Sorenssen, Director of AEPJ, and Marc Francesch, Project Manager of the European Route of Jewish Heritage, represented the AEPJ during this three-day event. Their active participation highlighted the AEPJ’s commitment to collaboration across the network of cultural routes.
Victor Sorenssen’s presented during the plenary session on “The Business of Cultural Routes,” where he took part in a roundtable discussion exploring business models, sustainability strategies, and innovative approaches for the long-term viability of cultural routes. His contribution emphasised the importance of cultural heritage as a driver for intercultural dialogue, social cohesion and cultural diplomacy.
In addition, Marc Francesch played a key role as rapporteur in one of the working groups during the session dedicated to cooperation among Cultural Routes. His intervention helped synthesise insights and best practices for enhancing cross-route collaboration and future joint initiatives.
Beyond the formal sessions, the Training Academy proved to be an excellent opportunity for networking and cooperation. The AEPJ team engaged in productive conversations with routes already involved in joint European projects and explored new collaborations with several others. These exchanges will undoubtedly strengthen the AEPJ’s work on heritage interpretation, digital innovation, and shared European memory.
The AEPJ also participated actively in thematic workshops on project development, governance, sustainability, and digital engagement, further reinforcing its capacity to contribute to the future development of the Cultural Routes programme.
This year’s Training Academy has reaffirmed the importance of collaboration among routes, with the AEPJ continuing to play a key role in building bridges across cultures and geographies through Jewish heritage.
