A Belgian start-up with a European network mindset

beBeer’s mission is simple but ambitious: It aims to bring together brewers and promoters, local and regional beer lovers, and elected councillors. This makes it possible for visitors to discover activities, breweries to raise their profile, and municipalities to strengthen local economic development. Additionally, it attracts tourism.  “The project has been maturing and in preparation for several years,” says founder Pascal Goergen. “I had to combine my various professional experiences to be able to bring together digital, local, and the brewing world. The aim was to propose something innovative and positive for the local sector and for the brewing tradition in Europe.” The platform is currently available in French, English, Dutch and German, reflecting beBeer’s cross-border ambition from day one. 

More than breweries: mapping the real beer experience

What beBeer catalogues goes well beyond taprooms. Alongside breweries and microbreweries, the platform brings visibility to the wider ecosystem of “promoters.” This includes pubs, brewing tours, brotherhoods, museums, tasting competitions, festivals, and even restaurants featuring beer-based dishes. The result is a practical guide for locals and visitors alike, featuring an interactive map and calendar. These tools include more than 5,000 breweries and promoters for easy navigation. For breweries and organisers, beBeer also offers the ability to create a “brewing ID” page/card. They can share events or products, giving the sector a dedicated, independent place to be found and followed. 

“Brewing communes”: a label built on evidence, not marketing

One of beBeer’s most distinctive projects is its forthcoming “brewing commune” label, awarded with one, two or three hops to spotlight places where brewing heritage is vibrant. Importantly, beBeer positions this as not another generic standard or certification. “Here, there is no ISO or other type of label,” Goergen explains. “It’s about compiling everything related to the brewing world in your commune/city. The beBeer jury can then assess the intensity/presence of brewing in a particular commune.” The assessment is based on 10 objective criteria that guide the jury in awarding hop levels. The model also creates a concrete role for local leadership. Elected officials can become beBeer Ambassadors for their commune. They help connect the platform with local brewers, venues, and initiatives while promoting heritage and tourism. 

What’s next: financing innovation, investors, and a new “phygital” beer tourism layer

Winning the LuxLife award is a milestone but beBeer is treating it as a springboard. Over the coming months, the team’s priorities are clear:

• Creating the right financial environment to accelerate innovation: This strengthens the foundation that allows beBeer to scale responsibly while staying true to its values of independence, passion, diversity, and mutual respect. 
• Opening discussions with investors who share a long-term vision for an independent European brewing network. These discussions support growth, product development, and international rollout.
• Building new digital opportunities for the brewing world, including Web3 experimentation. Efforts focus where real value is created, such as trust, traceability, and community participation. Additionally, a stronger phygital approach links digital discovery to real-world experiences.
• Launching tourism-driven “phygital” events across Europe’s regions and communes. These efforts help visitors discover breweries and local traditions through curated routes, calendars, and on-the-ground activations.
• Announcing the first “brewing communes” by the end of March, marking the first wave of municipalities recognized for their brewing intensity and heritage in multiple European countries. This is a key step in turning the “beBeer in your pocket” idea into a visible, local movement. 

As beBeer expands, its message remains consistent: the goal is not to replace local ecosystems. Instead, it aims to connect them, making Europe’s brewing culture easier to explore and sustain.

Practical info: www.bebeer.app and www.bebeer.org

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Represented in Brussels by the Regional Government Office of Cantabria and SODERCAN, the region’s development agency, Cantabria does more than just advocate for its economic and political interests: it also showcases its culture and gastronomy through a variety of events. The next one? Taste Cantabria, a gourmet celebration that promises to awaken all the senses.

Cantabria, a land of fine gastronomy

Cantabria’s culinary vitality shines through its Michelin-starred establishments, true ambassadors of the region’s rich local specialties. From the prestigious Cenador de Amós in Villaverde de Pontones (three stars) to distinctive venues such as La Casona del Judío and El Serbal in Santander, La Solana in Ampuero, and La Bicicleta in Hoznayo, these restaurants highlight the finest fish and seafood from the coast as well as the meats and vegetables from the valleys. Blending tradition with innovation, Cantabria is firmly establishing itself as an unmissable destination for lovers of haute cuisine.

Picture: Chef Jesús Sánchez and his wife Marián Martínez, owners of the Cenador de Amós restaurant

Taste Cantabria: a culinary experience in Brussels

On Monday 29 September 2025, the Excellis building (105A rue Colonel Bourg, 1140 Evere) will host an exclusive gastronomic event organised by Excellis/Horeca Magazine, in partnership with Sodercan and the Chamber of Commerce of Cantabria, to present for the first time in Brussels the agri-food products of the region. From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Spanish chef Adrián Mancheño will orchestrate a live cooking show, transforming the region’s flagship products into tapas and refined dishes. At the same time, visitors will be able to chat with a dozen producers who have come especially to showcase their expertise.

A culinary journey through Cantabria in Brussels

The journey begins at the seaside, in Santoña and Castro Urdiales, where the tradition of conserve-industry remains alive and well. Hand-prepared anchovies, tuna belly and mussels are testament to centuries-old expertise, passed down from generation to generation. These seafood products, veritable salty treasures, have made the region internationally renowned.

Then head for the green valleys, where livestock farming and dairy production give rise to unique cheeses. The creamy and delicate Queso de Nata de Cantabria sits alongside the firmer and more fragrant Quesucos de Liébana, and the Picón Bejes-Tresviso, a powerful blue cheese matured in natural caves. These specialities embody the perfect marriage of unspoilt nature and artisanal expertise.

The journey continues with sweets and baked goods: artisan breads, cakes and fine pastries, not to mention delicacies that combine tradition and innovation. These creations offer a moment of comfort that perfectly complements a Cantabrian table.

Finally, it is impossible to leave the region without raising a glass. From the craft beers of Dougall’s, pioneers in Spain, to the premium spirits of the Siderit distillery – gin, vodka, vermouth and whisky – Cantabrian drinks reveal a bold creativity and international outlook. They are the perfect elegant accompaniment to the anchovies, cheeses and preserves tasted earlier.

Organisations working hard to promote Cantabria

If Cantabrian cuisine is now renowned far beyond its borders, it is thanks to regional institutions that ensure the quality and promotion of its products. The ODECA (Cantabrian Agri-Food Quality Office), attached to the regional government, plays a key role in supervising quality labels (PDO, PGI), supporting organic farming and promoting exceptional products under the ‘Sabe a Norte’ brand. The organisation also supports producers at major international events, raising the profile of Cantabrian specialities on the world stage.

For its part, SODERCAN plays a key role in supporting the international expansion of Cantabrian companies. A central part of its work is the organization of trade missions and promotional actions abroad, designed to help businesses explore new markets, establish partnerships, and increase their exports. In collaboration with the Cantabria Chamber of Commerce, ICEX Spain Trade and Investment, and the Spanish Chamber of Commerce, it is promoting the Cantabria Internationalization Plan 2025–2028, which aims to consolidate the presence of Cantabrian companies in foreign markets. By combining economic support and cultural promotion, these structures make Cantabria a region that knows how to promote both its flavours and its expertise.

An invitation to savour Cantabria

With its coastal and mountainous landscapes, rich culinary heritage and desire to share its identity, Cantabria confirms its place among Spain’s most gourmet regions. Taste Cantabria will be a unique opportunity to discover all its flavours in the heart of Brussels.

See you on 29 September at Excellis for a Cantabrian culinary spectacle!

List of exhibitors: an overview of Cantabrian expertise

• Aceites Alía: premium extra virgin olive oil.
• Anchoas de Santoña: anchovies and seafood products made using traditional methods.
• Cantabria Quesera: an association of iconic PDO cheese makers.
• Dougall’s – Cervezas Artesanales: pioneers of Spanish craft beer.
• Conservas El Capricho: high-end seafood preserves with an authentic taste.
• Conservera Castreña: preserves and salted fish from sustainable fishing.
• Delicatessen La Ermita: prestigious gourmet products.
• Destilería Siderit: gin, vodka, vermouth and whisky with a local touch.
• Horno San José: artisan breads and pastries.
• Olio Viridi: organic and premium olive oils.
• Quesería Javier Campo: PDO blue cheeses matured in natural caves.
• Santander Fine Food: consortium of premium food producers.

SODERCAN:

• 📧 Email : internacional@sodercan.es
• 🌐 Website : www.sodercan.es
• 📱 Social media: 

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The exhibition promises a sensory voyage through the landscapes of Japan, from vibrant cityscapes and legendary racetracks to tranquil natural scenes. Visitors will be greeted by more than 55 vehicles, each embodying the rich heritage and technological prowess of the Japanese automobile and motorcycle industries.

Among the featured highlights are historic classics such as the Mazda Cosmo, Toyota 2000 GT and Spider, and the timeless Toyota Supra. Fans of high-performance engineering will be thrilled to see rare supercars like the Honda NSX and Toyota GT One, while motorsport enthusiasts can admire racing legends such as the Le Mans-winning Mazda 787B and Carlos Sainz’s Toyota Corolla WRC.

Two-wheel aficionados are not forgotten. The exhibition also traces the evolution of the Japanese superbike—from the game-changing Honda CB750 to the modern Suzuki Hayabusa and Yamaha R1—marking half a century of engineering brilliance and speed.

The entire Autoworld space will be transformed for the occasion, infused with Japanese aesthetics inspired by everything from the neon lights of Tokyo to the serene landscapes surrounding Mount Fuji. The experience will include a special creative zone for children with manga drawing, origami workshops, and retro arcade games, as well as Japanese-themed dishes at the on-site Brasserie Bagnole.

As part of the celebration, a Cars & Coffee – Big in Japan event will take place on Saturday, July 12. Classic and custom Japanese vehicles will gather on the museum’s esplanade, offering fans a chance to mingle in a festive, JDM-rich atmosphere.

Don’t Miss the Exclusive Preview Night – July 2, 2025

Before the official opening, Autoworld will host an exclusive Preview Night on Wednesday, July 2nd, from 6:00 to 10:00 pm. This special evening event offers an early look at the exhibition in an atmosphere steeped in Japanese flair. Attendees will be the first to walk through atmospheric reconstructions of Japanese scenes, admire the full vehicle lineup, and enjoy live animations and cultural décor.

Places for the Preview Night are limited — so be sure to reserve your tickets now and be among the first to experience Big in Japan at Autoworld Brussels.

For more information and ticketing, visit www.autoworld.be.

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During this 5-day training course, the heart of Europe became a hands-on classroom for aspiring lobbyists and policy professionals. Under the theme « Mastering EU Influence: Practical Lobbying and Networking in Brussels, » this unique program was organised for the fourth time by EPHEC lecturers Pascal Goergen and Katrien Bostyn, with support from the EU’s Erasmus+ programme.

International weeks like this one, typically five days long and hosted by European universities, are designed to bring together students from partner institutions around a central theme. This year’s focus – Lobbying and Networking in the EU – was both timely and ambitious.

The week began with a “field visit” inside the EU Quarter. Students set off on a scavenger hunt of sorts, identifying major EU institutions and associations, and even spotting key players by the badges they wore. The tour included insider visits to the European Parliament, the European Commission, and the Committee of the Regions, each offering interactive presentations by experts working inside the institutions.

But perhaps the highlight came with a special visit to the iconic Press Club Brussels Europe. There, students attended exclusive talks from seasoned lobbyists including Paul Cartuyvels, Executive Director at Bouygues Europe, and Inma Valencia, Director of the Cantabria Regional Office. A networking lunch followed, giving participants a rare opportunity to connect with professionals in an informal setting.

For many, the experience was more than just educational—it was transformational. “I’ve always dreamed of working in EU institutions,” said one participant. “This week brought me closer to that goal.” Even for local students from Brussels, the experience proved revelatory. “I walk past these buildings every day,” another shared, “but I never realized what really happens inside.”

The academic challenge of the week revolved around a creative case study: crafting a lobbying strategy to promote a regional cheese in Brussels’ complex institutional landscape. Students were grouped across cultures and disciplines, encouraging rich collaboration. A dedicated workshop on intercultural communication gave them the tools to navigate team dynamics and work effectively together.

Despite the tight timeline, the students’ final presentations on the last day revealed sharp insights, strategic thinking, and above all—a newfound confidence in navigating EU influence.

For EPHEC and its European academic partners, the event marked another successful edition of a growing tradition. For the students, it may have been the first step into the corridors of European power.

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From June 13 to 15, visitors can enjoy complimentary access to two newly inaugurated galleries at the Art & History Museum in Brussels, celebrating Belgium’s rich heritage in 19th-century decorative arts, Art Nouveau, and Art Deco. In view of the opening to the wider public, Their Majesties the King and Queen visited the new spaces on 10 June.

A Long-Awaited Revival of Hidden Treasures

The new spaces mark a major milestone in the museum’s evolution, presenting long-unseen masterpieces in a fresh, immersive setting designed to highlight their artistic and historical significance.

The Art Nouveau and Art Deco gallery (715 m²) is a visual feast, immersing visitors in the dynamic world of Belgian modern decorative arts. Born in Brussels in 1893, Art Nouveau is showcased through emblematic works by Victor Horta, Henry van de Velde, Paul Hankar, and others. A true highlight is the fully restored winter garden from the Maison Cousin by Horta — an architectural gem unveiled to the public for the first time.

This vibrant narrative continues with an exploration of Belgian Art Deco, revealing its stylistic diversity and modernist elegance.

In parallel, the 19th-Century Decorative Arts gallery (500 m²) offers a rich journey through major 19th-century styles such as Empire, Neo-Gothic, and Japonism. This new space paints a detailed portrait of bourgeois life in the 1800s, featuring exquisite furniture, everyday objects, and rare masterpieces. Several highlights have been generously loaned by the King Baudouin Foundation.

A Cultural Celebration

This three-day opening celebration is more than just a visit — it’s an invitation to rediscover Belgian artistic heritage in one of the country’s most iconic museums. Whether you’re a design enthusiast, a history lover, or simply curious, these new galleries promise a compelling cultural experience.

The museum is located in Parc du Cinquantenaire and easily accessible by public transport.

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to step into the past and celebrate the beauty of Belgian design — admission is free from June 13 to 15.

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A Strong Market Presence in Japan

Belgian food and drink products enjoy a solid reputation in Japan, where the “Belgian” label is associated with quality, craftsmanship, and trust. Belgian beer, fries, and frozen vegetables are widely recognized, while chocolates and biscuits are especially popular during Japan’s traditional gift-giving seasons—ochugen in summer and oseibo at year-end.

“This is a strategic opportunity,” says Bart Buysse, CEO of Fevia. “Belgian products are well-established in Japan, and we must build on that momentum to strengthen our position in this mature market. Following the success of the 2022 Belgian economic mission to Japan, this week offers another chance to deepen our trade ties.”

Revitalizing a Key Export Market

Exports drive the Belgian food industry, accounting for half of its revenue. Although Japan was once Belgium’s second-largest non-European export market, it now ranks fift, behind the U.S., Saudi Arabia, China, and Australia. Despite this, the Japanese market remains rich in potential. A delegation of Belgian food companies will attend the Expo to foster closer trade relationships.

A Taste of Innovation and Tradition

During the six-month Expo, Belgium will spotlight its strengths under the overarching theme “Human Regeneration.” A key highlight is the Belgian Food & Drinks Week, where visitors will experience Belgium’s innovation in plant-based cuisine, alcohol-free beverages, and chocolate traceability.

Events such as the “We’re Smart World Future Awards” will further showcase Belgium’s dedication to responsible food production and consumption. Meanwhile, tastings and seminars will celebrate beloved Belgian staples like chocolate and biscuits—products that resonate strongly with Japanese consumers and gift-giving culture.

The Belgian pavilion’s boutique, already a visitor favorite, offers a curated selection of premium confectionery and bakery items. Its success reflects Japan’s appetite for high-quality imported goods and reinforces Belgium’s image as a premium, trustworthy food brand.

Featured Partners

Participating Fevia members and pavilion partners include: AB InBev, Astra Sweets, Avieta, Belgian Chocolate Group, Brasserie De Halve Maan, Brasserie Huyghe, Centho Chocolates, Chant d’Éole, Chimay, Duvel, Godiva, Jules Destrooper, Leonidas, Lotus, Lutosa, Neuhaus, Rombouts, Val Dieu, Vermeiren, and Vondelmolen.

About Expo 2025 Osaka

Expo 2025 runs from 13 April to 13 October in Osaka under the theme “Designing Future Society for Our Lives.” Belgium’s pavilion, managed by BelExpo (the General Commission for International Exhibitions), focuses on the theme “Human Regeneration.” For more information, visit BelExpo’s official website.

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In a city like Brussels – Europe’s political capital and a hub of international cultural projection – every event has the potential to amplify a region’s visibility well beyond its borders. Aware of this, the Office has promoted cultural initiatives with high symbolic value that strengthen Cantabria’s presence at the heart of Europe.

One of the most recent and noteworthy initiatives was the performance of the Coral Voces Cántabras, which traveled to Brussels as part of its centenary celebrations to offer a moving double concert. The Cantabrian ensemble first performed a selection of sacred music in the majestic Cathedral of Saint Michael and Saint Gudula, followed by a concert of traditional Cantabrian music at the renowned Musical Instruments Museum (MIM).

During this commemorative event, a rabel – a traditional string instrument – specially crafted for the occasion, was donated to the MIM, symbolizing the region’s rich musical folklore. The instrument now joins the museum’s collection of more than 8,000 instruments from across Europe and beyond, including others from Cantabria.

The Minister of Economy, Finance, Regional Funding and European Funds of the Government of Cantabria, Luis Ángel Agüeros, attended both concerts and emphasized the significance of the event: “This recital, held in celebration of the choir’s centenary, aims to showcase Cantabria’s musical traditions as part of Europe’s broader musical heritage, highlighting our regional folklore in a symbolic venue such as the Museum of Musical Instruments, which houses over 8,000 instruments from around the world—including some from Cantabria, like the rabel.”

This concert was supported by the ministry led by Agüeros through the Directorate-General for European Funds, as part of a strategy to promote Cantabria’s cultural heritage within the European context.

Founded in 1924 by musicologist and folklorist Matilde de la Torre Gutiérrez, the Voces Cántabras Choir gave its first performance that same year in Cabezón de la Sal, the town where it originated. Over the course of a century, it has maintained a broad repertoire encompassing sacred music, zarzuela, opera, spirituals, habaneras, and of course, traditional Cantabrian songs. It has received numerous accolades, including the Gold Medal for Cultural Merit from the Cabezón de la Sal City Council, and has performed at international venues such as London’s Royal Albert Hall.

Over the years, the Cantabria Office in Brussels has supported a wide range of cultural events that highlight the region’s artistic diversity and deep-rooted traditions. In 2004, the Government of Cantabria and the Association of Campurrian Rabel Players organized a concert of traditional Cantabrian music at the Musical Instruments Museum (MIM) in Brussels, during which a handcrafted rabel campurriano was donated to the museum. 

Two years later, in 2006, the Peña Labra Choir performed at the Cantabria Office during the EU’s Regional Open Days, presenting a repertoire of choral pieces that reflected both classical influences and local folklore. In 2010, two further initiatives reinforced Cantabria’s cultural presence in the Belgian capital: the exhibition “Visions of the End of Times: Beatus of Liébana and the Beatus Manuscripts”, held at the Instituto Cervantes and accompanied by a concert of ancient music that evoked the spiritual atmosphere of the Middle Ages; and a vibrant performance at the MIM by the youth ensemble Retales Casi Sinfónicos, whose eclectic mix of Spanish guitars, strings, woodwinds, accordions, and lyrical voices showcased the creativity and energy of a new generation of Cantabrian musicians.

Another major milestone was Cantabria’s prominent participation in the 2019 Folklorissimo Festival, held at the iconic Grand Place in Brussels. Spain was the guest of honor that year, and Cantabria stood out with over 100 artists and groups showcasing the region’s cultural, musical, gastronomic, and tourist identity. The “Virgen de las Nieves de Tanos” group represented traditional Cantabrian music during the festival’s main event, while the “Cantabria Infinita” stand offered tastings of local products and promotional materials.

For Inma Valencia, the objective is clear: “Cantabria’s culture has found in Brussels a powerful stage from which to be heard. It’s not just about being present in the political or economic forums of the EU, but also about sharing our traditions, our music, and our roots with international audiences.”

In short, Cantabria’s external action in Brussels demonstrates how culture can serve as a strategic tool for regional diplomacy. Thanks to the ongoing work of its Office in the European capital, Cantabria continues to carve out its place at the cultural heart of Europe.

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The principle is simple and participative: Local inhabitants, shopkeepers and other key local players are invited to work together to craft their own beer. The journey starts with a survey in which everyone shares what and how it feels like to live in their particular neighborhood. Then, during a friendly meet-and-greet evening, the participants decide together on the recipe (flavor, taste) and on the design for the label. The sky is truly not the limit when it comes to imagination: these ‘creators’ can imagine a beer inspired by an old local brewery, redolent of flowers, with just that fruity aftertaste or even brimming with local spices… Clearly, anything is possible. They can come up with a watermark of the streets logo, and perhaps clip some unexpected anecdotes from the neighbourhood to enhance the overall experience.

Meet the founders: Bruno and Greg

The Bières de Quartiers adventure was born out of the friendship between Bruno and Greg, two beer aficionados. Bruno, a beer lover since he was a boy, and Greg, a fervent advocate of local synergies, combined their passions to create this unique project together. Their most obvious aim won’t come as a surprise; chiefly, both friends wanted to please our taste buds! But their project fulfills another wish, one that strengthens human ties within and across these neighbourhoods of Brussels. Although they don’t have their own brewing facilities (apart from a 30-litre tank for running their tests), they are proud of their collaborations with partner craft brewhouses.

As stated earlier, the Bières de Quartiers project is indeed based on this collaborative principle of getting locals, shopkeepers and other key players involved in the local community to both imagine and craft their very own beer. Following, are the three main stages of the process: first, local stakeholders are brought together, and a questionnaire is handed out to gather residents’ ideas and preferences for their neighbourhood in particular. Next, during a nice and cozy evening, the participants (not to call them ‘neighbors’) decide together on the ingredients of the recipe for the beer as well as on the design for the label. 
These newly imagined, unique beers are then brewed in partner brewhouses in Brussels such as CoHop in Etterbeek and ILLegaal in Forest. These two places also host creative workshops, with a tasting experience at the end. Finally, the last phase, fermentation and maturation, is carried out in specifically designed 10 or 20hl brewing tanks.

At the core of every project: a strong sense of flexibility and a desire to listen

The project aims at a flexible approach to adapt to and meet the expectations and spending limits of all these ‘neighbors from the blocks’. To reach their target and achieve this goal, several packages have been thought of, offering varied and dynamic services. According to Greg, one of the two founders of the project: ‘We offer three packages to suit everyone’s needs. With the ‘Basic’ package, we offer the project’s essentials: a questionnaire to get local people involved, personalised posters and the production process of the beer. The ‘Support’ package goes the extra mile, offering a bonus workshop led by a zythologist (a beer connoisseur) who will guide you as you discover the world of brewing, and support their journey on social networks to give the project greater visibility. Finally, our ‘Tailor-made ’ package includes a photographer to capture the highlights and a summary video. The participatory aspect of the project is paramount to us. Each district or block decides how it wants to support the project and help define its goals. Some will develop the beer with us, others will use it to strengthen ties or bonds between neighbors or just showcase their little corner of Brussels, their safe haven’. 

A Practical Example: The ‘Quartier de la Levure’ – The Yeast Block

The ‘Quartier de la Levure’ decided to craft its own signature beer for its annual braderie (a lively, community-focused event usually held along the street or in public spaces in Belgium). They decided to buy 500 litres, store them, distribute them deliver and leave the invoicing to Bières de Quartiers. They planned to resell the beer with a margin of €1 to fund a neighbourhood project and even shoot videos/commercials with a few key local players. They finished it to the last signature drop within eight months!

In short, Bières de Quartiers is much more than just an adult beverage. It’s a collective experience that reinforces this sense of belonging to a particular quarter (block), while at the same time promoting Brussels’ traditional know-how.

And why not create the beer of the European Quarter?

Dear Brussels-Express readers, would you be interested in crafting a beer in and around the European Quarter? Imagine a beer that would reflect the heart and soul of our dynamic and cosmopolitan district! Calling out to all beer lovers out there that might be interested, please feel free to reach out through email to contact@brussels-express.eu with the subject line: Quarter Beer. 

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Since 2022, the municipality of Grez-Doiceau, 28 kilometres south of Brussels in the Walloon region, has been working with other municipalities in Europe to create a European cultural route on the theme of Saint George and the Dragon. In August 2023, a delegation from the municipality travelled to Beesel (Netherlands) to meet representatives of other towns celebrating St George and the Dragon across Europe. In addition to the host town of Beesel, the partner municipalities are Furth im Wald (Germany), Montblanc (Spain) and Monçao (Portugal). Together with Grez-Doiceau, they have ratified a letter of intent to set up this European network around Saint George and the dragon.

What is a European cultural route?

It’s a programme launched in 1987 by the Council of Europe, which aims to demonstrate that the heritage of different European countries contributes to the common heritage. Today, there are 47 cultural routes, each promoting a common cultural heritage between different countries, around a specific theme, such as the ‘Pilgrim’s Way to Santiago de Compostela’, the ‘Viking Route’, the ‘Route of the Impressionists’, etc. Discover the list of existing European cultural routes here.

Cultural routes are networks that promote fundamental European values such as democracy, human rights, diversity, cultural identity and mutual exchange across borders. To be registered as a European Cultural Route, the network must meet a number of criteria, including: highlighting a European cultural and heritage legacy, bringing together at least 3 Council of Europe member countries, highlighting European values, drawing on scientific research, contributing to cultural and educational exchanges for young people and promoting sustainable tourism through innovative projects.

Why Saint George and the Dragon?

The theme of Saint George and the dragon is an important cultural heritage from Europe’s past. It is represented in numerous traditions throughout the continent, and the symbolism of the battle between good and evil is recurrent. By registering this heritage as a European Cultural Route, the local authorities are seeking to highlight this legacy of tradition and sharing, as well as promoting European diversity and tourism.

Meeting in Monçao, Portugal

After Beesel in August 2023, a meeting was held this year in Monçao with partner municipalities, with the aim of making progress towards this forthcoming bid. The meeting also provided an opportunity to pool the similarities and convergences between the different traditions in the cities and communes in the network. They also have their own specific characteristics, depending on the country or town where the festivities are celebrated. Although the battle between Saint George and the dragon remains a central element, each town has its own legend and organises a wide variety of activities.

What next?

Each cultural route must have a legal personality to manage and coordinate the network. To this end, an association called ‘Saint-Georges and the Dragon’ is being set up. Issues such as branding and communication still need to be addressed before the various municipalities can submit a joint bid to set up this European cultural route. The bid is due to be submitted in 2026. 

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How does the Lodzkie Region help in concrete?

As part of the project, economic events and business meetings with foreign investors, as well as workshops and conferences are organized.
Thanks to this, a Lodz-Brussels cooperation network is being built, providing a market for goods from our region.
It is also important to help build a professional image of Polish companies in the West, which directly translates into increased exports of products and services. The Regional Office of the Lodzkie Region “Lodzkie House” operates in Brussels.
It is not only a place for B2B meetings, but also a valuable source of information related to regional policy and regulations in force in the European Union. It provides an invaluable support for all companies that are serious about their exports, aimed precisely at Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg.

The Lodzkie Region offers active and practical support, providing fair booths for companies willing to participate in the project. All this despite the economic turmoil and the difficult time caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
It is also worth mentioning that in the coming year participation in trade fairs is planned, with recruitment already underway. These are the international construction fair BATIBOUW 2022, which will be held in Brussels at the end of May, and the March international food industry fair TAVOLA. During both events, the Forum of Polish Entrepreneurs will be organized, to which Grzegorz Schreiber, Marshal of the Lodzkie Region, warmly invites you.
Project film – Lodz for BUSINESS – Benelux countries.

Polish companies from the Lodzkie Region ready to develop their businesses in the Benelux countries!

Innovation, modernity, ecology, experience and export potential are the attributes of companies participating in the project « Lodzkie in Brussels supports Lodzkie business ».
Meet the companies that have decided on the development path of their companies in Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg!
Interested? Read more

The article is financed by the European Regional Development Fund and the budget of the Local Government of the Lodzkie Region within the project « Lodzkie w Brussels supports Lodzkie business. Promotion of a comprehensive export offer for enterprises from the region ”.

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