European Observatory : Culture and animation



NEW OBSERVATORY : March 6, from 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM

City Centers Festival : A Key Factor in Attractiveness 

Webinar on Thursday, March 6th, from 10:30AM to 12:00 PM

Joana GOUVEIA LOUREIRO and Miguel FONSECA, heads of Institutional and International Affairs for the Municipality of Coimbra (Portugal)

Ana BENAVIDES OTERO, European Festivals Association (Belgium)

Rolf C.HEMKE, City of Weimar (Germany) 

Olivier CABRERA, City of Bourges (France)

Kunz ELMAR, City of Ludwigsburg (Germany)


The European Observatory was launched on February 8, 2024 at the European Parliament. It comprises 5 different themes: Town center management, trade, crafts and markets, Logistics and last-mile delivery, Culture and animation, Housing and urban life, Urban planning and sustainable mobility.

The European Observatory for Culture and Animation is co-chaired by Miguel FONSECA, city councillor of Coimbra, Portugal, and Nuska GAJSEK, mayor of Ptuj, Slovenia.

Culture and animation are vital to city centers, attracting visitors, stimulating the local economy and creating jobs. They foster a sense of community and belonging, strengthen a town’s identity and preserve its cultural heritage. Cultural events and activities make downtowns dynamic and lively, enhancing residents’ quality of life and promoting social interaction. What’s more, they bolster tourist appeal and encourage new investment in the region, contributing to the overall development and sustainability of the urban environment.


Our Institutional Partners

Our Private Partners


*This event is not organized by the French Government. However we have been allowed by the French Government to use the emblem of the French Presidency of the Council of the European Union.