Centre-Val de Loire Region Marks Milestone in Brussels with European Partners
17/01/2025
The Centre-Val de Loire Region celebrated a significant historical moment and its evolving role on the European stage at La Tricoterie in Brussels. Marking the 25th anniversary of the Loire Valley’s classification as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the event sought to strengthen partnerships and foster innovation and attractivity with European collaborators. President François Bonneau and regional elected representatives spearheaded the discussions, highlighting the region’s ambitions and accomplishments. EARLALL participated in this event, reaffirming its commitment to European cooperation and sharing this milestone moment with Centre-Val de Loire.
Centre-Val de Loire Region President, François Bonneau, opened the day by emphasizing the importance of connecting with Europe for inspiration and support. This marked the first time the region hosted its annual greetings (Voeux) in Brussels, underlining its deepened commitment to European integration. He outlined 2025 as a pivotal year, celebrating three major anniversaries:
- 25 years since the Loire Valley’s recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- 20 years of the Loire by Bike initiative
- 15 years since the inscription of the French gastronomic meal on UNESCO’s intangible cultural heritage list
Bonneau also stressed the need for cohesion, citizen participation, and rethinking public spaces with local communities. He highlighted the region’s active involvement in European projects, including four Interreg Europe initiatives, such as SALAM -Sustainable AccessibIlity to the LAbour Market, which focuses on integrating migrants into the labour market. Inclusion, skills development, and collaboration were presented as vital strategies to face global challenges and was build within EARLALL network last year to address their political need regarding the subject.
The morning agenda featured dynamic round tables and presentations, focusing on:
- The 25th anniversary of the Loire Valley’s UNESCO status and its alignment with the New European Bauhaus (NEB), a movement promoting sustainable, inclusive, and creative ways of living.
- Showcasing flagship projects, such as Bourges 2028, the 20th anniversary of the Loire à Vélo cycling route, and the promotion of the region’s gastronomic and cultural heritage.
- A regional showcase, featuring emblematic products from Centre-Val de Loire, underlining the region’s ties with European values and its future vision.
The panel, titled “Living in the Centre-Val de Loire, Rethinking the Garden of France”, featured insights from:
- Vera Wintagen, Head of the NEB Initiative, European Commission
- Paul-Olivier Claudepierre, Co-director of Martin Pouret
- Elke Mittmann, Director of the Maison de l’Architecture et des Paysages Centre-Val de Loire
- Bruno Marmiroli, Director of the Val de Loire World Heritage Mission
- Moderated by Karine Gloanec Maurin, Regional Councillor for European cooperation and tourism
Discussions revolved around the blending of heritage conservation, architectural innovation, and ecological sustainability, hallmarks of the New European Bauhaus philosophy.
The program continued in the afternoon with debates centered on the theme “The Centre-Val de Loire, a Land of Inventors and Progress.” These discussions explored how the region positions itself as a hub for innovation, balancing its rich cultural heritage with forward-thinking initiatives.
This landmark event in Brussels reinforced Centre-Val de Loire’s leadership in fostering European partnerships and addressing global challenges through innovation and inclusivity. By integrating local assets with European goals, the region is setting an example of how cultural heritage and modern progress can thrive together, making it a dynamic contributor to the European project.
