Western Balkan cultural and historical preservation

Regional initiatives in the Western Balkans are increasingly focusing on the preservation of historical heritage and the management of collective memory.

Archaeological efforts are centered on Roman and late antique heritage. In Bulgaria, the ‘Roman and Late Antique Thrace’ conference aims to explore the boundaries of Thrace through scholarly presentations and site visits. Simultaneously, the ROMANICA project is working to connect Roman heritage sites across Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro through research and digital representation to promote sustainable tourism.

Complementing these archaeological efforts, programs in Montenegro and North Macedonia are addressing modern historical memory. The School of Transitional Justice in Podgorica has been educating youth on the wars of the 1990s to support EU integration and democratic resilience. Additionally, the ‘Senses of Belonging’ artistic program is engaging young artists from North Macedonia, Serbia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina to research collective memory and anti-fascist heritage, with plans for upcoming regional exhibitions and a digital archive.