Romania’s gastronomic map is becoming stronger, more connected, and more visible in Europe.

Harghita, Banat, and Dobrogea have officially signed a Partnership Agreement on cooperation between European Regions of Gastronomy, marking an important step in an already active collaboration and reinforcing a shared strategy to represent Romania at European level.

The agreement brings together:

• Harghita – European Region of Gastronomy 2027, represented by the Harghita Intercommunity Development Association (Visit Harghita);
• Banat – Candidate European Region of Gastronomy 2028, represented by the Association for the Promotion and Development of Tourism in Timiș County (Visit Timiș);
• Dobrogea – Candidate European Region of Gastronomy 2029, represented by the National Union of Romanian Employers – South-East Region.

The partnership operates within the framework of the network coordinated by IGCAT (International Institute of Gastronomy, Culture, Arts and Tourism),  the international organization that awards the European Region of Gastronomy title and promotes regional development through food heritage, sustainability  and international cooperation.

From Informal Collaboration to a Strategic Framework

The three regions have been working closely together. They have exchanged best practices, supported one another in preparing their programmes and engaged in strategic consultations related to the European Region of Gastronomy title.

With the signing of this agreement, their collaboration now gains a formal structure and clearly defined directions of action, including:

• exchange of expertise and know-how;
• mutual support in preparing, implementing and capitalizing on the title;
• joint participation and representation at national and international events;
• coordinated communication and promotion initiatives;
• strengthening a common Romanian voice within the European Regions of Gastronomy network.

The partnership also opens the door to concrete interregional projects: gastronomic routes connecting communities, initiatives supporting local producers and young chefs and joint efforts to attract European funding for projects with long-term impact.

This is not simply about signing a document, it is about aligning strategies, resources and visions.

A National Voice Built Through Regional Strength

Harghita, Banat, and Dobrogea each reflect distinct cultural identities, diverse culinary traditions and unique historical influences.

Harghita brings the rich culinary heritage of Transylvania’s mountainous landscapes.
Banat represents multicultural influences and strong Central European connections.
Dobrogea carries the flavours of the Danube Delta and the Black Sea, shaped by centuries of cultural encounters.

Together, they create a broader narrative, one that positions Romania as a country capable of promoting its diversity in a coherent and strategic way within the IGCAT network.

Through this alliance, the three regions send a clear message: development through gastronomy is not an isolated regional initiative, but part of a wider national strategy built on cooperation, complementarity and long-term vision.

The partnership is grounded in principles of equality, transparency, and mutual respect and aims to leverage gastronomy as a tool for cultural, economic and tourism development.

About IGCAT and the European Region of Gastronomy Title

IGCAT (International Institute of Gastronomy, Culture, Arts and Tourism) coordinates the European Region of Gastronomy platform, supporting regions across Europe in promoting their food heritage, sustainability practices, education initiatives and territorial development strategies.

The title is not merely a recognition of culinary excellence, it is a framework for collaboration, innovation and long-term regional growth.

By joining forces, Dobrogea, Harghita and Banat actively contribute to strengthening Romania’s position within the IGCAT network and to transforming gastronomy into a strategic driver of visibility, investment and sustainable development.

In the end, this partnership is about more than titles.
It is about building connections.
About creating shared opportunities.
And about telling Romania’s story, through its flavours, with one stronger, united voice.