The EAVF applied for funding in the framework of the Routes4U grant scheme for the Adriatic and Ionian macro-region.

Routes4U is the 30-month, launched in the framework of the joint project between the Council of Europe and the European Union.  The project enhances regional development through the Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe in the Adriatic-Ionian, the Alpine, the Baltic Sea and the Danube Region. These EU macro-regional strategies encompass 27 countries with more than 340 million people.

The EAVF aspires to realise a project, focused on development of innovative tourism products in its southern section – Via Francigena of the South and a partner route of the Via Egnatia, a member of the Via Eurasia network in the Apulia region of Italy, Albania and Greece of the Adriatic and Ionian macro region.

This project aims to tackle seasonality, diversify the tourist offer and enhance tourism potential of the rural areas crossed by the Via Francigena. In the framework of this project the EAVF in cooperation with partners – Tirana Express from Albania and Trace Your Eco from Greece – will organise a bloggers trip, a roadshow and establish an info point among many other activities. The results of the grant application procedure are to be expected by the end of September. 

The EAVF already has experience in managing macroregional grants, as currently the association coordinates a Routes4U project in the Alpine region, which is focused on the diffusion of the governance system and of the best practices of the Via Francigena. The project started in May 2019 and has a duration of 6 months.