Moldova takes over presidency of Council of Culture Ministers of South-East Europe for 2026

Moldova, today in Ohrid, North Macedonia, took over the presidency of the Council of Ministers of Culture of South-East Europe (CoMoCoSEE) for the 2026 year, during the UNESCO interministerial conference, Sustainable Cultural Models for the Future. This event marks a significant moment for the cultural diplomacy of the country and opens a new chapter in regional cooperation.

CoMoCoSEE represents an essential dialogue platform among 12 countries from South-East Europe, focused on such strategic areas as cultural heritage protection, cultural policy development and adapting the sector to contemporary challenges. Taking on the mandate places Moldova in a position to coordinate and drive these processes at a regional level.

The Moldovan authorities emphasize that assuming this role is both a responsibility and an opportunity to actively contribute to the development of sustainable cultural models in the region. In the context, Moldova aims to strengthen European partnerships and develop joint projects that prioritize the role of culture in sustainable development.

‘’During the presidency, Moldova will promote the goals included in the Strategy for Culture and Heritage 2035, a document that sets sch priorities as modernizing cultural infrastructure, digitizing heritage, supporting creative industries and enhancing national cultural expressions through international cooperation,’’ said Culture Minister Cristian Jardan.

The CoMoCoSEE presidency for 2026 promises to be an important step in Moldova’s assertion as a regional actor dedicated to protecting heritage and promoting creativity, in close collaboration with member states and international partners.

The Council of Ministers of Culture of South-East Europe is a regional intergovernmental platform that brings together ministries and relevant authorities from South-East European countries, with main objectives: strengthening regional cultural cooperation – promoting dialogue and exchange of good practices among countries in the cultural field; protecting and enhancing cultural heritage – developing policies and projects that ensure the conservation of tangible and intangible heritage; supporting the development of the cultural and creative sector – creating strategies and initiatives that stimulate the cultural and creative industries in the region; adapting culture to contemporary challenges – digitizing heritage, integrating culture into sustainable development and promoting cultural values in the European context.

CoMoCoSEE works as a cooperation network among 12 countries from South-East Europe, providing support for joint initiatives, heritage projects and cultural policies that are sustainable and aligned with European standards.