Event 3: Discussion on Best Practices

At the third meeting on January 16, 2025, project partners discussed best practices and experiences gained during the preparation and implementation of the ECoC initiative, with a special focus on collaboration with businesses and young people.

Key Highlights:

1. Knowledge Sharing and Collaboration:
   • Sharing experiences from past and future ECoCs to enhance the sustainability and impact of projects.
2. Sustainability and Long-term Visibility:
   • Strategies to maintain the impact of projects beyond the ECoC year.
   • Measuring economic and cultural effects.
3. Community and Youth Engagement:
   • Active participation of diverse groups, especially young people as drivers of innovation.
4. Sponsorships and Marketing:
   • Approaches to attracting large and small sponsors.
   • Leveraging territorial marketing to strengthen regional development.

Recommendations:

1. Preparation of Best Practices:
   • Document experiences and guidelines to improve future ECoC projects (completion expected by February 2025).
2. Encouraging Innovation and Youth Participation:
   • Establish platforms for collaboration between young people and businesses in cultural projects.
3. Sustainable Financing:
   • Develop synergies across various funding sources and reduce administrative barriers.
4. Regional Connectivity:
   • Strengthen cross-border cooperation for greater collective benefit and regional development.

The meeting reaffirmed the importance of collaboration, innovation, and sustainability for the long-term success of ECoC initiatives.