Neamț County showcased its values, traditions and development potential on the European stage during European Week of Regions and Cities, held in Brussels from 12 to 14 October.

By participating in one of Europe’s most important events dedicated to regional development, the Neamț County Council, together with the North-East Regional Development Agency and representatives of other counties in the region, helped promote local opportunities and strengthen European dialogue on the future of communities.

Now in its 24th edition, the event, organised annually by the European Commission and the European Committee of the Regions, brings together thousands of participants from across Europe, providing a platform for sharing experience, fostering dialogue and promoting regional initiatives. The Neamț County delegation was led by Public Administrator Lucian-Ovidiu Micu.

Mountain Communities and Development Opportunities in the European Spotlight

The event programme began with the official opening at the European Parliament, followed by discussions on the future of cohesion policy, European investment and the development of local communities.

An important moment for the North-East Region delegation was its participation, on 13 October, in the European debate “The Right to Stay: Keeping Our Mountains Alive, Dynamic, Accessible and Inhabited,” dedicated to the future of mountain communities. As a speaker, Public Administrator Lucian-Ovidiu Micu took part in discussions on the challenges facing these areas, the need for investment and potential solutions to ensure that residents can enjoy better living conditions and development opportunities within their own communities.

For a county where mountains, nature and traditional communities are key elements of local identity, these topics are particularly relevant. Balanced development in mountain areas means not only better infrastructure and services, but also preserving traditions, supporting the local economy and making responsible use of natural and cultural heritage.

The Authentic Flavours of Neamț, Discovered by European Visitors

The final day of the event was dedicated to promoting the traditions, tourism and gastronomy of the North-East Region. Through a promotional stand and a tasting session featuring local products, participants had the opportunity to discover some of the region’s diversity and authenticity.

Neamț County was also represented through the contribution of the “Produs în Neamț” (Made in Neamț) Cluster and local producers, who provided traditional products showcasing the area’s rich culinary heritage and distinctive identity.

From flavours that preserve recipes and customs passed down from generation to generation to products carefully crafted by local producers, gastronomy is an important part of the tourism experience. It tells a story about people, places and traditions, helping to create an authentic image of Neamț County.

The presence in Brussels therefore provided an opportunity to bring local values closer to European audiences and highlight the connection between tourism, heritage and community development.

The North-East Region Receives Further European Recognition

Another source of pride for the region is the North-East Regional Development Agency’s achievement in securing the title of “European Entrepreneurial Region 2027”—a first for Romania and recognition of its efforts to support entrepreneurship and the regional business environment.

Neamț County – A Destination of Distinctive Identity and Authentic Stories

Participation in European Week of Regions and Cities reaffirms the importance of promoting Neamț County in international settings and showcasing its tourism, cultural and gastronomic assets.

With its breathtaking mountain landscapes, carefully preserved traditions, welcoming communities and local products that reflect the area’s distinctive character, Neamț County has all the ingredients of a destination worth discovering and rediscovering.

Every tradition tells a story, every flavour preserves a memory, and every encounter with Neamț reveals another facet of the authenticity of this remarkable land.