Discussions on the development of the social economy, the opportunities in Harghita County, and the integration of international good practices into local decisions and programmes took place at a stakeholder meeting held in Miercurea Ciuc at the sewing workshop of the Right Association on February 17, organized by the Harghita County Council.

The meeting was organized within the SECON – Social Economy Regional Policies international project, implemented through the Interreg Europe programme, in which Harghita County Council is a partner. The project aims to make regional policies supporting the social economy more effective and transparent. The work focuses on several areas, including the involvement of stakeholders, increasing the visibility of the social economy, creating a favorable policy and legal environment, improving financing opportunities, as well as strengthening impact measurement and social innovation.

The sixth stakeholder meeting within the project was held at the Right Association, with the participation of representatives of social enterprises, civil society organizations, and public institutions. The civil organization based in Miercurea Ciuc supports the social and labor market integration of disadvantaged groups through its activities and programmes, and serves as a good example of how the social economy can create real opportunities. During the visit, discussions addressed the challenges faced by social economy actors in their daily work, including administrative burdens and financing issues. Participants concluded that the development of the social economy must be a conscious process based on cooperation.

Within the framework of the project, the next international meeting will be held in April 2026 in Mannheim, where the focus will be on monitoring, data-driven decision-making, social innovation, and start-up support. These experiences may also be useful for Harghita County.

Harghita County’s participation in the CIBioGo project meeting in Slovenia

On January 27–28, the thematic and Steering Group meeting of the international project CIBioGo – Citizen Participation in Biodiversity Governance, supported by the Interreg Europe programme, took place in Pokljuka, Slovenia. Harghita County Council was also represented at the event by the designated project team.

The two-day professional programme focused on reviewing the project’s results to date, presenting policy developments, and discussing methodological approaches for their monitoring. Participants paid special attention to how good practices that strengthen community participation can be integrated into regional and local development policy instruments.

The meeting was accompanied by workshops and joint professional consultations, providing an opportunity for experience exchange among partner regions and for jointly rethinking applicable solutions. As part of the programme, a field activity also took place, contributing to the direct understanding of the natural environment and to demonstrating practical approaches to biodiversity management.

The participation of Harghita County Council aligns with the county’s efforts to support the development of strategic documents related to the Hășmaș Mountains area, as well as to actively involve local communities in the preservation of natural values. In the next phase of the project, the focus will be on the local adaptation of good practices.

General information about the project can be found in the following video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f8Hj5hKjLzs

Miercurea Ciuc, February 4, 2026.

Representatives of the Harghita County Council participated in the fourth international meeting of the SEE – Sustainable Entrepreneurship Education project, held in Rome on January 20–21, implemented with the support of the Interreg Europe Programme. The event was organized by the Lazio Region, with the participation of France, Belgium, Germany, Latvia, Poland, Italy, and Romania.

The main objective of the meeting was to share and disseminate good practices in the field of entrepreneurship education, with a special focus on the use of digital tools, game-based learning methods (gamification), and innovative educational approaches that support the development of young people’s transversal skills.

The first day of the event focused on presenting good practices developed in the partner regions. Initiatives were introduced that contribute to talent identification and the development of entrepreneurial competences through video games and digital simulations, as well as those applying experiential learning methods by simulating business environments and integrating innovative approaches, including the use of artificial intelligence and cooperation between educational and economic stakeholders.

The delegation of Harghita County also contributed to the professional exchange of experience with its own presentation, showcasing the “Leader” board game developed by the Spektrum Educational Center. This cooperation-based gamification tool supports the development of key entrepreneurial competences – such as strategic thinking, communication, leadership skills, and problem-solving – in line with sustainable development goals.

The second day’s programme included a study visit to the Lazio Open Innovation Center (LOIC) in Zagarolo, which operates as a regional center of excellence in the fields of innovation, business development, and creative industries. Participants were introduced to successful start-up support and youth entrepreneurship programmes, as well as educational and digital projects of regional importance. In addition, a design thinking workshop was held, examining the future role of gamification in entrepreneurship education for young people.

Participation in the event provided valuable professional guidance for Harghita County in adapting European good practices to the local context, contributing to the modernization of educational approaches and the strengthening of the county’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Miercurea Ciuc, January 29, 2026.

More than 80,000 people showed interest in the events organized by the Harghita County Tradition Resource Center

Over the past year, the Harghita County Tradition Resource Center, a subordinate institution of the Harghita County Council, focused its activities on documenting, preserving, and promoting the authentic values of local cultural heritage. Its goal was to strengthen regional cultural identity and to expand the community’s access to cultural life.

According to Izabella Bartalis, director of the Harghita County Tradition Resource Center, their aim was not only to promote cultural programs but also to improve their diversity and quality, expand institutional collaborations at the county, national, and international levels, engage young audiences, and build a loyal audience committed to traditional culture. At the same time, special emphasis was placed on developing online communication and increasing the institution’s visibility through media partnerships.

Over the past year, the cultural centre organized large-scale festivals and events, ethnographic and traditional art exhibitions, publishing programs and book launches, educational activities, craft workshops, and audiovisual productions on ethnographic topics.

In 2025, more than 60 cultural programs were organized, including around 15 festivals and major events, more than 20 exhibitions and public presentations, approximately 15 educational programs and workshops, and over 10 book launches, screenings, and other publishing events.

Highlighted events included the Siculus Festival, Secler Days, and the Transylvanian Dance House Meeting, which attracted thousands of participants and significantly contributed to promoting the county’s traditional values.

According to data provided by Izabella Bartalis, the estimated total number of participants in the programs organized in 2025 exceeded 80,000, including both audiences present in person at events and those reached via online platforms.

The target audience of the programs was extremely diverse: children and students, young people, families, teachers, cultural professionals, artisans, as well as the general public interested in traditions and local identity. The activities had a significant impact on the community, strengthening the sense of belonging, expanding access to culture, encouraging intercultural dialogue, and contributing to promoting Harghita County as an active and attractive cultural space.

Feedback from the community was overwhelmingly positive, as reflected in the continuous growth in participant numbers, lively interactions online, and numerous requests to repeat and expand successful programs.

In parallel, the Harghita County Tradition Resource Center also participated as a partner in other cultural projects in the Udvarhely region. In total, they supported 30 cultural projects, worth 372,000 lei. These included “In the Footsteps of the Values of the Gagy Stream Valley,” the “Slam Poetry Championship,” and the “dramaMA” contemporary theatre festival.

The list of winning projects in the Udvarhely region can be found at the following link: https://hagyomany.ro/palyazatok/

– The Harghita County Tradition Resource Center is a custodian of cultural memory and local identity. Through our activities, we strive to contribute to the preservation of traditions, the education of young people, and the promotion of Harghita County’s authentic values – stated Izabella Bartalis.

Through its events and programs, the Centre continues to play a key role in the cultural development of Harghita County, providing the community with identity, continuity, and dialogue between the past, present, and future.

As is known, the County Hall Gallery and the ground-floor exhibition space of the County Hall had to find a new location from May this year due to the building’s energy renovation works. The exhibitions found a home in several locations.

During this year, within the framework of the Exhibition Program, the Cultural Center of Harghita County organized a total of 19 visual arts exhibitions across seven fields: painting, sculpture, installation, photography, enamel art, aircraft models, ship models and car models, as well as visual arts. Most exhibitions were related to visual arts (8) and photography (5).

The exhibitions attracted nearly 3,700 visitors, including 30 student groups from ten schools in Miercurea Ciuc who participated in guided visits, which significantly contributes to increasing students’ interest in visual arts.

The exhibitions were open to visitors at several locations: until the end of April at the County Hall Gallery, as well as in the Csíki Cinema building, the building of the Cultural Center of Harghita County, and the House of Arts.

Currently, two exhibitions are still awaiting visitors:

• “Autumn Salon” – at the Csíki Cinema, open until January 27, 2026;
• “Post Ignis” – at the Cultural Center of Harghita County, open until January 15, 2026.

Information about the exhibition program and further details are available at the following link:
https://www.facebook.com/Megyehaza.Galeria

Miercurea Ciuc, December 15, 2025.

The fourth edition of the Regional Tourism Conference was held on October 15–16, 2025, once again hosted by Miercurea Ciuc. As one of the most important professional gatherings in the region, the event brought together nearly 200 tourism entrepreneurs, experts, educators, students, and decision-makers to jointly reflect on the future of tourism, innovation, and opportunities for regional cooperation.

Digitalization, AI, and Cooperation in Focus

The first day of the conference was dedicated to innovation and cooperation. Experts from Booking.com and Travelminit presented concrete examples of how artificial intelligence is transforming the travel experience and guest relations. Norbert Fejér, CEO of HelixSoft, highlighted in his presentation that digitalization is not only a technological issue but also a strategic opportunity to increase competitiveness. The presentation of the România Atractivă project also emphasized the importance of digital development and data-driven decision-making in tourism.

The afternoon continued with two sections: in the TDM section, representatives of several Transylvanian tourist destinations – including Brașov, Mureș, Sibiu, Covasna, and Harghita counties – shared their good practices and future plans, while the parallel communication section focused on practical marketing and visual strategies. Erzsébet Kádár (SmartADDs) spoke about the role of database building, Jenő Nagy (OptiBoost) about online advertising strategies, and Ioana Mihaela Cobiliță (Sinaps) about digital trends – including voice search and AI targeting. In the field of visual communication, photographer and graphic editor László Mihály and László Olasz (Alpix Visual Studio) presented the importance of professional photography, while Zoltán Pál (Magenta7) shared practical experiences on creating tourism program packages. The section concluded with a presentation by Zelinda Páll, marketing communication specialist at Visit Harghita (Harghita Community Development Association), who introduced a new community platform designed for entrepreneurs and organizations interested in tourism.

Gastronomy and Local Values

The second day of the conference focused on the diversity of Transylvanian gastronomy and the future of hospitality based on local ingredients.

The day opened with Előd Szőcs (Csíkcsomortán Abattoir – Butcher Manufactory), who spoke about the value of traditional, locally sourced ingredients under the motto “Only from pure sources.” He was followed by Adorján Trucza, founder of Taste of Transylvania, whose presentation titled Pizza or Polenta? explored the search for identity in Transylvanian gastronomy. István Becze, president of the Association of Székely Farmers’ Organizations, highlighted the role of local producers and the opportunities within gastro-tourism, while Károly Szabó, Executive Director of Visit Harghita (Harghita Community Development Association), spoke about the long-term impacts of obtaining the title of European Region of Gastronomy in his presentation What Will Happen in 2027? Is It the Promised Land?

Szilamér Cseh, founder and head sommelier of the Fine Service Academy, shared his experiences on the art of service and creating guest experiences in his presentation The Secrets of Guest Experience, followed by Domokos Bándi (Gastrobun), who presented the future of gastronomy and strategies for sustainable development. Within the framework of the Food Savers project, Claudia Popa, food engineer at Boroinfo, presented concrete solutions for reducing food waste in the HoReCa sector.

The afternoon program highlighted artisanal gastronomy and creative approaches: photographer Zoltán Biró’s presentation The Photographer’s Coffee in Practice brought the role of coffee preparation closer to the world of gastronomy. István Bocskor, founder of Bocskor Bakery, spoke about the secrets of sourdough preparation and the art of good bread in his presentation Our Sourdough. Judit Potyó, founder of the Sasfészek Gastro Point, shared her experiences in creating and operating a gastro point based on local ingredients.

During the panel discussion Transylvanian Gastronomy Books, participants gained insight into gastronomic publications from the region, including the 100 Recipes – 100 Housewives series and the preparation of the Food Saver Book (Food Savers project).

The two-day event was initiated by the tourism organizations of Harghita, Mureș, and Covasna counties, with the Harghita Community Development Association (Visit Harghita) acting as the main organizer this year. The event was supported by the Pro Economica Foundation, Liliac Winery, Bocskor Bakery, as well as the County Councils of Harghita, Mureș, and Covasna.

At the closing of the conference, it was announced that the main organizer of the 5th Regional Tourism Conference in 2026 will be Visit Covasna. The organizers emphasized that next year’s event will continue in the spirit of regional cooperation and the shared vision of developing tourism.

Discussions on the development of the social economy, the opportunities in Harghita County, and the integration of international good practices into local decisions and programmes took place at a stakeholder meeting held in Miercurea Ciuc at the sewing workshop of the Right Association on February 17, organized by the Harghita County Council.

The meeting was organized within the SECON – Social Economy Regional Policies international project, implemented through the Interreg Europe programme, in which Harghita County Council is a partner. The project aims to make regional policies supporting the social economy more effective and transparent. The work focuses on several areas, including the involvement of stakeholders, increasing the visibility of the social economy, creating a favorable policy and legal environment, improving financing opportunities, as well as strengthening impact measurement and social innovation.

The sixth stakeholder meeting within the project was held at the Right Association, with the participation of representatives of social enterprises, civil society organizations, and public institutions. The civil organization based in Miercurea Ciuc supports the social and labor market integration of disadvantaged groups through its activities and programmes, and serves as a good example of how the social economy can create real opportunities. During the visit, discussions addressed the challenges faced by social economy actors in their daily work, including administrative burdens and financing issues. Participants concluded that the development of the social economy must be a conscious process based on cooperation.

Within the framework of the project, the next international meeting will be held in April 2026 in Mannheim, where the focus will be on monitoring, data-driven decision-making, social innovation, and start-up support. These experiences may also be useful for Harghita County.

Harghita County’s participation in the CIBioGo project meeting in Slovenia

On January 27–28, the thematic and Steering Group meeting of the international project CIBioGo – Citizen Participation in Biodiversity Governance, supported by the Interreg Europe programme, took place in Pokljuka, Slovenia. Harghita County Council was also represented at the event by the designated project team.

The two-day professional programme focused on reviewing the project’s results to date, presenting policy developments, and discussing methodological approaches for their monitoring. Participants paid special attention to how good practices that strengthen community participation can be integrated into regional and local development policy instruments.

The meeting was accompanied by workshops and joint professional consultations, providing an opportunity for experience exchange among partner regions and for jointly rethinking applicable solutions. As part of the programme, a field activity also took place, contributing to the direct understanding of the natural environment and to demonstrating practical approaches to biodiversity management.

The participation of Harghita County Council aligns with the county’s efforts to support the development of strategic documents related to the Hășmaș Mountains area, as well as to actively involve local communities in the preservation of natural values. In the next phase of the project, the focus will be on the local adaptation of good practices.

General information about the project can be found in the following video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f8Hj5hKjLzs

Miercurea Ciuc, February 4, 2026.

Representatives of the Harghita County Council participated in the fourth international meeting of the SEE – Sustainable Entrepreneurship Education project, held in Rome on January 20–21, implemented with the support of the Interreg Europe Programme. The event was organized by the Lazio Region, with the participation of France, Belgium, Germany, Latvia, Poland, Italy, and Romania.

The main objective of the meeting was to share and disseminate good practices in the field of entrepreneurship education, with a special focus on the use of digital tools, game-based learning methods (gamification), and innovative educational approaches that support the development of young people’s transversal skills.

The first day of the event focused on presenting good practices developed in the partner regions. Initiatives were introduced that contribute to talent identification and the development of entrepreneurial competences through video games and digital simulations, as well as those applying experiential learning methods by simulating business environments and integrating innovative approaches, including the use of artificial intelligence and cooperation between educational and economic stakeholders.

The delegation of Harghita County also contributed to the professional exchange of experience with its own presentation, showcasing the “Leader” board game developed by the Spektrum Educational Center. This cooperation-based gamification tool supports the development of key entrepreneurial competences – such as strategic thinking, communication, leadership skills, and problem-solving – in line with sustainable development goals.

The second day’s programme included a study visit to the Lazio Open Innovation Center (LOIC) in Zagarolo, which operates as a regional center of excellence in the fields of innovation, business development, and creative industries. Participants were introduced to successful start-up support and youth entrepreneurship programmes, as well as educational and digital projects of regional importance. In addition, a design thinking workshop was held, examining the future role of gamification in entrepreneurship education for young people.

Participation in the event provided valuable professional guidance for Harghita County in adapting European good practices to the local context, contributing to the modernization of educational approaches and the strengthening of the county’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Miercurea Ciuc, January 29, 2026.

More than 80,000 people showed interest in the events organized by the Harghita County Tradition Resource Center

Over the past year, the Harghita County Tradition Resource Center, a subordinate institution of the Harghita County Council, focused its activities on documenting, preserving, and promoting the authentic values of local cultural heritage. Its goal was to strengthen regional cultural identity and to expand the community’s access to cultural life.

According to Izabella Bartalis, director of the Harghita County Tradition Resource Center, their aim was not only to promote cultural programs but also to improve their diversity and quality, expand institutional collaborations at the county, national, and international levels, engage young audiences, and build a loyal audience committed to traditional culture. At the same time, special emphasis was placed on developing online communication and increasing the institution’s visibility through media partnerships.

Over the past year, the cultural centre organized large-scale festivals and events, ethnographic and traditional art exhibitions, publishing programs and book launches, educational activities, craft workshops, and audiovisual productions on ethnographic topics.

In 2025, more than 60 cultural programs were organized, including around 15 festivals and major events, more than 20 exhibitions and public presentations, approximately 15 educational programs and workshops, and over 10 book launches, screenings, and other publishing events.

Highlighted events included the Siculus Festival, Secler Days, and the Transylvanian Dance House Meeting, which attracted thousands of participants and significantly contributed to promoting the county’s traditional values.

According to data provided by Izabella Bartalis, the estimated total number of participants in the programs organized in 2025 exceeded 80,000, including both audiences present in person at events and those reached via online platforms.

The target audience of the programs was extremely diverse: children and students, young people, families, teachers, cultural professionals, artisans, as well as the general public interested in traditions and local identity. The activities had a significant impact on the community, strengthening the sense of belonging, expanding access to culture, encouraging intercultural dialogue, and contributing to promoting Harghita County as an active and attractive cultural space.

Feedback from the community was overwhelmingly positive, as reflected in the continuous growth in participant numbers, lively interactions online, and numerous requests to repeat and expand successful programs.

In parallel, the Harghita County Tradition Resource Center also participated as a partner in other cultural projects in the Udvarhely region. In total, they supported 30 cultural projects, worth 372,000 lei. These included “In the Footsteps of the Values of the Gagy Stream Valley,” the “Slam Poetry Championship,” and the “dramaMA” contemporary theatre festival.

The list of winning projects in the Udvarhely region can be found at the following link: https://hagyomany.ro/palyazatok/

– The Harghita County Tradition Resource Center is a custodian of cultural memory and local identity. Through our activities, we strive to contribute to the preservation of traditions, the education of young people, and the promotion of Harghita County’s authentic values – stated Izabella Bartalis.

Through its events and programs, the Centre continues to play a key role in the cultural development of Harghita County, providing the community with identity, continuity, and dialogue between the past, present, and future.

As is known, the County Hall Gallery and the ground-floor exhibition space of the County Hall had to find a new location from May this year due to the building’s energy renovation works. The exhibitions found a home in several locations.

During this year, within the framework of the Exhibition Program, the Cultural Center of Harghita County organized a total of 19 visual arts exhibitions across seven fields: painting, sculpture, installation, photography, enamel art, aircraft models, ship models and car models, as well as visual arts. Most exhibitions were related to visual arts (8) and photography (5).

The exhibitions attracted nearly 3,700 visitors, including 30 student groups from ten schools in Miercurea Ciuc who participated in guided visits, which significantly contributes to increasing students’ interest in visual arts.

The exhibitions were open to visitors at several locations: until the end of April at the County Hall Gallery, as well as in the Csíki Cinema building, the building of the Cultural Center of Harghita County, and the House of Arts.

Currently, two exhibitions are still awaiting visitors:

• “Autumn Salon” – at the Csíki Cinema, open until January 27, 2026;
• “Post Ignis” – at the Cultural Center of Harghita County, open until January 15, 2026.

Information about the exhibition program and further details are available at the following link:
https://www.facebook.com/Megyehaza.Galeria

Miercurea Ciuc, December 15, 2025.

The fourth edition of the Regional Tourism Conference was held on October 15–16, 2025, once again hosted by Miercurea Ciuc. As one of the most important professional gatherings in the region, the event brought together nearly 200 tourism entrepreneurs, experts, educators, students, and decision-makers to jointly reflect on the future of tourism, innovation, and opportunities for regional cooperation.

Digitalization, AI, and Cooperation in Focus

The first day of the conference was dedicated to innovation and cooperation. Experts from Booking.com and Travelminit presented concrete examples of how artificial intelligence is transforming the travel experience and guest relations. Norbert Fejér, CEO of HelixSoft, highlighted in his presentation that digitalization is not only a technological issue but also a strategic opportunity to increase competitiveness. The presentation of the România Atractivă project also emphasized the importance of digital development and data-driven decision-making in tourism.

The afternoon continued with two sections: in the TDM section, representatives of several Transylvanian tourist destinations – including Brașov, Mureș, Sibiu, Covasna, and Harghita counties – shared their good practices and future plans, while the parallel communication section focused on practical marketing and visual strategies. Erzsébet Kádár (SmartADDs) spoke about the role of database building, Jenő Nagy (OptiBoost) about online advertising strategies, and Ioana Mihaela Cobiliță (Sinaps) about digital trends – including voice search and AI targeting. In the field of visual communication, photographer and graphic editor László Mihály and László Olasz (Alpix Visual Studio) presented the importance of professional photography, while Zoltán Pál (Magenta7) shared practical experiences on creating tourism program packages. The section concluded with a presentation by Zelinda Páll, marketing communication specialist at Visit Harghita (Harghita Community Development Association), who introduced a new community platform designed for entrepreneurs and organizations interested in tourism.

Gastronomy and Local Values

The second day of the conference focused on the diversity of Transylvanian gastronomy and the future of hospitality based on local ingredients.

The day opened with Előd Szőcs (Csíkcsomortán Abattoir – Butcher Manufactory), who spoke about the value of traditional, locally sourced ingredients under the motto “Only from pure sources.” He was followed by Adorján Trucza, founder of Taste of Transylvania, whose presentation titled Pizza or Polenta? explored the search for identity in Transylvanian gastronomy. István Becze, president of the Association of Székely Farmers’ Organizations, highlighted the role of local producers and the opportunities within gastro-tourism, while Károly Szabó, Executive Director of Visit Harghita (Harghita Community Development Association), spoke about the long-term impacts of obtaining the title of European Region of Gastronomy in his presentation What Will Happen in 2027? Is It the Promised Land?

Szilamér Cseh, founder and head sommelier of the Fine Service Academy, shared his experiences on the art of service and creating guest experiences in his presentation The Secrets of Guest Experience, followed by Domokos Bándi (Gastrobun), who presented the future of gastronomy and strategies for sustainable development. Within the framework of the Food Savers project, Claudia Popa, food engineer at Boroinfo, presented concrete solutions for reducing food waste in the HoReCa sector.

The afternoon program highlighted artisanal gastronomy and creative approaches: photographer Zoltán Biró’s presentation The Photographer’s Coffee in Practice brought the role of coffee preparation closer to the world of gastronomy. István Bocskor, founder of Bocskor Bakery, spoke about the secrets of sourdough preparation and the art of good bread in his presentation Our Sourdough. Judit Potyó, founder of the Sasfészek Gastro Point, shared her experiences in creating and operating a gastro point based on local ingredients.

During the panel discussion Transylvanian Gastronomy Books, participants gained insight into gastronomic publications from the region, including the 100 Recipes – 100 Housewives series and the preparation of the Food Saver Book (Food Savers project).

The two-day event was initiated by the tourism organizations of Harghita, Mureș, and Covasna counties, with the Harghita Community Development Association (Visit Harghita) acting as the main organizer this year. The event was supported by the Pro Economica Foundation, Liliac Winery, Bocskor Bakery, as well as the County Councils of Harghita, Mureș, and Covasna.

At the closing of the conference, it was announced that the main organizer of the 5th Regional Tourism Conference in 2026 will be Visit Covasna. The organizers emphasized that next year’s event will continue in the spirit of regional cooperation and the shared vision of developing tourism.

Discussions on the development of the social economy, the opportunities in Harghita County, and the integration of international good practices into local decisions and programmes took place at a stakeholder meeting held in Miercurea Ciuc at the sewing workshop of the Right Association on February 17, organized by the Harghita County Council.

The meeting was organized within the SECON – Social Economy Regional Policies international project, implemented through the Interreg Europe programme, in which Harghita County Council is a partner. The project aims to make regional policies supporting the social economy more effective and transparent. The work focuses on several areas, including the involvement of stakeholders, increasing the visibility of the social economy, creating a favorable policy and legal environment, improving financing opportunities, as well as strengthening impact measurement and social innovation.

The sixth stakeholder meeting within the project was held at the Right Association, with the participation of representatives of social enterprises, civil society organizations, and public institutions. The civil organization based in Miercurea Ciuc supports the social and labor market integration of disadvantaged groups through its activities and programmes, and serves as a good example of how the social economy can create real opportunities. During the visit, discussions addressed the challenges faced by social economy actors in their daily work, including administrative burdens and financing issues. Participants concluded that the development of the social economy must be a conscious process based on cooperation.

Within the framework of the project, the next international meeting will be held in April 2026 in Mannheim, where the focus will be on monitoring, data-driven decision-making, social innovation, and start-up support. These experiences may also be useful for Harghita County.

Harghita County’s participation in the CIBioGo project meeting in Slovenia

On January 27–28, the thematic and Steering Group meeting of the international project CIBioGo – Citizen Participation in Biodiversity Governance, supported by the Interreg Europe programme, took place in Pokljuka, Slovenia. Harghita County Council was also represented at the event by the designated project team.

The two-day professional programme focused on reviewing the project’s results to date, presenting policy developments, and discussing methodological approaches for their monitoring. Participants paid special attention to how good practices that strengthen community participation can be integrated into regional and local development policy instruments.

The meeting was accompanied by workshops and joint professional consultations, providing an opportunity for experience exchange among partner regions and for jointly rethinking applicable solutions. As part of the programme, a field activity also took place, contributing to the direct understanding of the natural environment and to demonstrating practical approaches to biodiversity management.

The participation of Harghita County Council aligns with the county’s efforts to support the development of strategic documents related to the Hășmaș Mountains area, as well as to actively involve local communities in the preservation of natural values. In the next phase of the project, the focus will be on the local adaptation of good practices.

General information about the project can be found in the following video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f8Hj5hKjLzs

Miercurea Ciuc, February 4, 2026.

Representatives of the Harghita County Council participated in the fourth international meeting of the SEE – Sustainable Entrepreneurship Education project, held in Rome on January 20–21, implemented with the support of the Interreg Europe Programme. The event was organized by the Lazio Region, with the participation of France, Belgium, Germany, Latvia, Poland, Italy, and Romania.

The main objective of the meeting was to share and disseminate good practices in the field of entrepreneurship education, with a special focus on the use of digital tools, game-based learning methods (gamification), and innovative educational approaches that support the development of young people’s transversal skills.

The first day of the event focused on presenting good practices developed in the partner regions. Initiatives were introduced that contribute to talent identification and the development of entrepreneurial competences through video games and digital simulations, as well as those applying experiential learning methods by simulating business environments and integrating innovative approaches, including the use of artificial intelligence and cooperation between educational and economic stakeholders.

The delegation of Harghita County also contributed to the professional exchange of experience with its own presentation, showcasing the “Leader” board game developed by the Spektrum Educational Center. This cooperation-based gamification tool supports the development of key entrepreneurial competences – such as strategic thinking, communication, leadership skills, and problem-solving – in line with sustainable development goals.

The second day’s programme included a study visit to the Lazio Open Innovation Center (LOIC) in Zagarolo, which operates as a regional center of excellence in the fields of innovation, business development, and creative industries. Participants were introduced to successful start-up support and youth entrepreneurship programmes, as well as educational and digital projects of regional importance. In addition, a design thinking workshop was held, examining the future role of gamification in entrepreneurship education for young people.

Participation in the event provided valuable professional guidance for Harghita County in adapting European good practices to the local context, contributing to the modernization of educational approaches and the strengthening of the county’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Miercurea Ciuc, January 29, 2026.

More than 80,000 people showed interest in the events organized by the Harghita County Tradition Resource Center

Over the past year, the Harghita County Tradition Resource Center, a subordinate institution of the Harghita County Council, focused its activities on documenting, preserving, and promoting the authentic values of local cultural heritage. Its goal was to strengthen regional cultural identity and to expand the community’s access to cultural life.

According to Izabella Bartalis, director of the Harghita County Tradition Resource Center, their aim was not only to promote cultural programs but also to improve their diversity and quality, expand institutional collaborations at the county, national, and international levels, engage young audiences, and build a loyal audience committed to traditional culture. At the same time, special emphasis was placed on developing online communication and increasing the institution’s visibility through media partnerships.

Over the past year, the cultural centre organized large-scale festivals and events, ethnographic and traditional art exhibitions, publishing programs and book launches, educational activities, craft workshops, and audiovisual productions on ethnographic topics.

In 2025, more than 60 cultural programs were organized, including around 15 festivals and major events, more than 20 exhibitions and public presentations, approximately 15 educational programs and workshops, and over 10 book launches, screenings, and other publishing events.

Highlighted events included the Siculus Festival, Secler Days, and the Transylvanian Dance House Meeting, which attracted thousands of participants and significantly contributed to promoting the county’s traditional values.

According to data provided by Izabella Bartalis, the estimated total number of participants in the programs organized in 2025 exceeded 80,000, including both audiences present in person at events and those reached via online platforms.

The target audience of the programs was extremely diverse: children and students, young people, families, teachers, cultural professionals, artisans, as well as the general public interested in traditions and local identity. The activities had a significant impact on the community, strengthening the sense of belonging, expanding access to culture, encouraging intercultural dialogue, and contributing to promoting Harghita County as an active and attractive cultural space.

Feedback from the community was overwhelmingly positive, as reflected in the continuous growth in participant numbers, lively interactions online, and numerous requests to repeat and expand successful programs.

In parallel, the Harghita County Tradition Resource Center also participated as a partner in other cultural projects in the Udvarhely region. In total, they supported 30 cultural projects, worth 372,000 lei. These included “In the Footsteps of the Values of the Gagy Stream Valley,” the “Slam Poetry Championship,” and the “dramaMA” contemporary theatre festival.

The list of winning projects in the Udvarhely region can be found at the following link: https://hagyomany.ro/palyazatok/

– The Harghita County Tradition Resource Center is a custodian of cultural memory and local identity. Through our activities, we strive to contribute to the preservation of traditions, the education of young people, and the promotion of Harghita County’s authentic values – stated Izabella Bartalis.

Through its events and programs, the Centre continues to play a key role in the cultural development of Harghita County, providing the community with identity, continuity, and dialogue between the past, present, and future.

As is known, the County Hall Gallery and the ground-floor exhibition space of the County Hall had to find a new location from May this year due to the building’s energy renovation works. The exhibitions found a home in several locations.

During this year, within the framework of the Exhibition Program, the Cultural Center of Harghita County organized a total of 19 visual arts exhibitions across seven fields: painting, sculpture, installation, photography, enamel art, aircraft models, ship models and car models, as well as visual arts. Most exhibitions were related to visual arts (8) and photography (5).

The exhibitions attracted nearly 3,700 visitors, including 30 student groups from ten schools in Miercurea Ciuc who participated in guided visits, which significantly contributes to increasing students’ interest in visual arts.

The exhibitions were open to visitors at several locations: until the end of April at the County Hall Gallery, as well as in the Csíki Cinema building, the building of the Cultural Center of Harghita County, and the House of Arts.

Currently, two exhibitions are still awaiting visitors:

• “Autumn Salon” – at the Csíki Cinema, open until January 27, 2026;
• “Post Ignis” – at the Cultural Center of Harghita County, open until January 15, 2026.

Information about the exhibition program and further details are available at the following link:
https://www.facebook.com/Megyehaza.Galeria

Miercurea Ciuc, December 15, 2025.

The fourth edition of the Regional Tourism Conference was held on October 15–16, 2025, once again hosted by Miercurea Ciuc. As one of the most important professional gatherings in the region, the event brought together nearly 200 tourism entrepreneurs, experts, educators, students, and decision-makers to jointly reflect on the future of tourism, innovation, and opportunities for regional cooperation.

Digitalization, AI, and Cooperation in Focus

The first day of the conference was dedicated to innovation and cooperation. Experts from Booking.com and Travelminit presented concrete examples of how artificial intelligence is transforming the travel experience and guest relations. Norbert Fejér, CEO of HelixSoft, highlighted in his presentation that digitalization is not only a technological issue but also a strategic opportunity to increase competitiveness. The presentation of the România Atractivă project also emphasized the importance of digital development and data-driven decision-making in tourism.

The afternoon continued with two sections: in the TDM section, representatives of several Transylvanian tourist destinations – including Brașov, Mureș, Sibiu, Covasna, and Harghita counties – shared their good practices and future plans, while the parallel communication section focused on practical marketing and visual strategies. Erzsébet Kádár (SmartADDs) spoke about the role of database building, Jenő Nagy (OptiBoost) about online advertising strategies, and Ioana Mihaela Cobiliță (Sinaps) about digital trends – including voice search and AI targeting. In the field of visual communication, photographer and graphic editor László Mihály and László Olasz (Alpix Visual Studio) presented the importance of professional photography, while Zoltán Pál (Magenta7) shared practical experiences on creating tourism program packages. The section concluded with a presentation by Zelinda Páll, marketing communication specialist at Visit Harghita (Harghita Community Development Association), who introduced a new community platform designed for entrepreneurs and organizations interested in tourism.

Gastronomy and Local Values

The second day of the conference focused on the diversity of Transylvanian gastronomy and the future of hospitality based on local ingredients.

The day opened with Előd Szőcs (Csíkcsomortán Abattoir – Butcher Manufactory), who spoke about the value of traditional, locally sourced ingredients under the motto “Only from pure sources.” He was followed by Adorján Trucza, founder of Taste of Transylvania, whose presentation titled Pizza or Polenta? explored the search for identity in Transylvanian gastronomy. István Becze, president of the Association of Székely Farmers’ Organizations, highlighted the role of local producers and the opportunities within gastro-tourism, while Károly Szabó, Executive Director of Visit Harghita (Harghita Community Development Association), spoke about the long-term impacts of obtaining the title of European Region of Gastronomy in his presentation What Will Happen in 2027? Is It the Promised Land?

Szilamér Cseh, founder and head sommelier of the Fine Service Academy, shared his experiences on the art of service and creating guest experiences in his presentation The Secrets of Guest Experience, followed by Domokos Bándi (Gastrobun), who presented the future of gastronomy and strategies for sustainable development. Within the framework of the Food Savers project, Claudia Popa, food engineer at Boroinfo, presented concrete solutions for reducing food waste in the HoReCa sector.

The afternoon program highlighted artisanal gastronomy and creative approaches: photographer Zoltán Biró’s presentation The Photographer’s Coffee in Practice brought the role of coffee preparation closer to the world of gastronomy. István Bocskor, founder of Bocskor Bakery, spoke about the secrets of sourdough preparation and the art of good bread in his presentation Our Sourdough. Judit Potyó, founder of the Sasfészek Gastro Point, shared her experiences in creating and operating a gastro point based on local ingredients.

During the panel discussion Transylvanian Gastronomy Books, participants gained insight into gastronomic publications from the region, including the 100 Recipes – 100 Housewives series and the preparation of the Food Saver Book (Food Savers project).

The two-day event was initiated by the tourism organizations of Harghita, Mureș, and Covasna counties, with the Harghita Community Development Association (Visit Harghita) acting as the main organizer this year. The event was supported by the Pro Economica Foundation, Liliac Winery, Bocskor Bakery, as well as the County Councils of Harghita, Mureș, and Covasna.

At the closing of the conference, it was announced that the main organizer of the 5th Regional Tourism Conference in 2026 will be Visit Covasna. The organizers emphasized that next year’s event will continue in the spirit of regional cooperation and the shared vision of developing tourism.

Discussions on the development of the social economy, the opportunities in Harghita County, and the integration of international good practices into local decisions and programmes took place at a stakeholder meeting held in Miercurea Ciuc at the sewing workshop of the Right Association on February 17, organized by the Harghita County Council.

The meeting was organized within the SECON – Social Economy Regional Policies international project, implemented through the Interreg Europe programme, in which Harghita County Council is a partner. The project aims to make regional policies supporting the social economy more effective and transparent. The work focuses on several areas, including the involvement of stakeholders, increasing the visibility of the social economy, creating a favorable policy and legal environment, improving financing opportunities, as well as strengthening impact measurement and social innovation.

The sixth stakeholder meeting within the project was held at the Right Association, with the participation of representatives of social enterprises, civil society organizations, and public institutions. The civil organization based in Miercurea Ciuc supports the social and labor market integration of disadvantaged groups through its activities and programmes, and serves as a good example of how the social economy can create real opportunities. During the visit, discussions addressed the challenges faced by social economy actors in their daily work, including administrative burdens and financing issues. Participants concluded that the development of the social economy must be a conscious process based on cooperation.

Within the framework of the project, the next international meeting will be held in April 2026 in Mannheim, where the focus will be on monitoring, data-driven decision-making, social innovation, and start-up support. These experiences may also be useful for Harghita County.

Harghita County’s participation in the CIBioGo project meeting in Slovenia

On January 27–28, the thematic and Steering Group meeting of the international project CIBioGo – Citizen Participation in Biodiversity Governance, supported by the Interreg Europe programme, took place in Pokljuka, Slovenia. Harghita County Council was also represented at the event by the designated project team.

The two-day professional programme focused on reviewing the project’s results to date, presenting policy developments, and discussing methodological approaches for their monitoring. Participants paid special attention to how good practices that strengthen community participation can be integrated into regional and local development policy instruments.

The meeting was accompanied by workshops and joint professional consultations, providing an opportunity for experience exchange among partner regions and for jointly rethinking applicable solutions. As part of the programme, a field activity also took place, contributing to the direct understanding of the natural environment and to demonstrating practical approaches to biodiversity management.

The participation of Harghita County Council aligns with the county’s efforts to support the development of strategic documents related to the Hășmaș Mountains area, as well as to actively involve local communities in the preservation of natural values. In the next phase of the project, the focus will be on the local adaptation of good practices.

General information about the project can be found in the following video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f8Hj5hKjLzs

Miercurea Ciuc, February 4, 2026.

Representatives of the Harghita County Council participated in the fourth international meeting of the SEE – Sustainable Entrepreneurship Education project, held in Rome on January 20–21, implemented with the support of the Interreg Europe Programme. The event was organized by the Lazio Region, with the participation of France, Belgium, Germany, Latvia, Poland, Italy, and Romania.

The main objective of the meeting was to share and disseminate good practices in the field of entrepreneurship education, with a special focus on the use of digital tools, game-based learning methods (gamification), and innovative educational approaches that support the development of young people’s transversal skills.

The first day of the event focused on presenting good practices developed in the partner regions. Initiatives were introduced that contribute to talent identification and the development of entrepreneurial competences through video games and digital simulations, as well as those applying experiential learning methods by simulating business environments and integrating innovative approaches, including the use of artificial intelligence and cooperation between educational and economic stakeholders.

The delegation of Harghita County also contributed to the professional exchange of experience with its own presentation, showcasing the “Leader” board game developed by the Spektrum Educational Center. This cooperation-based gamification tool supports the development of key entrepreneurial competences – such as strategic thinking, communication, leadership skills, and problem-solving – in line with sustainable development goals.

The second day’s programme included a study visit to the Lazio Open Innovation Center (LOIC) in Zagarolo, which operates as a regional center of excellence in the fields of innovation, business development, and creative industries. Participants were introduced to successful start-up support and youth entrepreneurship programmes, as well as educational and digital projects of regional importance. In addition, a design thinking workshop was held, examining the future role of gamification in entrepreneurship education for young people.

Participation in the event provided valuable professional guidance for Harghita County in adapting European good practices to the local context, contributing to the modernization of educational approaches and the strengthening of the county’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Miercurea Ciuc, January 29, 2026.

More than 80,000 people showed interest in the events organized by the Harghita County Tradition Resource Center

Over the past year, the Harghita County Tradition Resource Center, a subordinate institution of the Harghita County Council, focused its activities on documenting, preserving, and promoting the authentic values of local cultural heritage. Its goal was to strengthen regional cultural identity and to expand the community’s access to cultural life.

According to Izabella Bartalis, director of the Harghita County Tradition Resource Center, their aim was not only to promote cultural programs but also to improve their diversity and quality, expand institutional collaborations at the county, national, and international levels, engage young audiences, and build a loyal audience committed to traditional culture. At the same time, special emphasis was placed on developing online communication and increasing the institution’s visibility through media partnerships.

Over the past year, the cultural centre organized large-scale festivals and events, ethnographic and traditional art exhibitions, publishing programs and book launches, educational activities, craft workshops, and audiovisual productions on ethnographic topics.

In 2025, more than 60 cultural programs were organized, including around 15 festivals and major events, more than 20 exhibitions and public presentations, approximately 15 educational programs and workshops, and over 10 book launches, screenings, and other publishing events.

Highlighted events included the Siculus Festival, Secler Days, and the Transylvanian Dance House Meeting, which attracted thousands of participants and significantly contributed to promoting the county’s traditional values.

According to data provided by Izabella Bartalis, the estimated total number of participants in the programs organized in 2025 exceeded 80,000, including both audiences present in person at events and those reached via online platforms.

The target audience of the programs was extremely diverse: children and students, young people, families, teachers, cultural professionals, artisans, as well as the general public interested in traditions and local identity. The activities had a significant impact on the community, strengthening the sense of belonging, expanding access to culture, encouraging intercultural dialogue, and contributing to promoting Harghita County as an active and attractive cultural space.

Feedback from the community was overwhelmingly positive, as reflected in the continuous growth in participant numbers, lively interactions online, and numerous requests to repeat and expand successful programs.

In parallel, the Harghita County Tradition Resource Center also participated as a partner in other cultural projects in the Udvarhely region. In total, they supported 30 cultural projects, worth 372,000 lei. These included “In the Footsteps of the Values of the Gagy Stream Valley,” the “Slam Poetry Championship,” and the “dramaMA” contemporary theatre festival.

The list of winning projects in the Udvarhely region can be found at the following link: https://hagyomany.ro/palyazatok/

– The Harghita County Tradition Resource Center is a custodian of cultural memory and local identity. Through our activities, we strive to contribute to the preservation of traditions, the education of young people, and the promotion of Harghita County’s authentic values – stated Izabella Bartalis.

Through its events and programs, the Centre continues to play a key role in the cultural development of Harghita County, providing the community with identity, continuity, and dialogue between the past, present, and future.

As is known, the County Hall Gallery and the ground-floor exhibition space of the County Hall had to find a new location from May this year due to the building’s energy renovation works. The exhibitions found a home in several locations.

During this year, within the framework of the Exhibition Program, the Cultural Center of Harghita County organized a total of 19 visual arts exhibitions across seven fields: painting, sculpture, installation, photography, enamel art, aircraft models, ship models and car models, as well as visual arts. Most exhibitions were related to visual arts (8) and photography (5).

The exhibitions attracted nearly 3,700 visitors, including 30 student groups from ten schools in Miercurea Ciuc who participated in guided visits, which significantly contributes to increasing students’ interest in visual arts.

The exhibitions were open to visitors at several locations: until the end of April at the County Hall Gallery, as well as in the Csíki Cinema building, the building of the Cultural Center of Harghita County, and the House of Arts.

Currently, two exhibitions are still awaiting visitors:

• “Autumn Salon” – at the Csíki Cinema, open until January 27, 2026;
• “Post Ignis” – at the Cultural Center of Harghita County, open until January 15, 2026.

Information about the exhibition program and further details are available at the following link:
https://www.facebook.com/Megyehaza.Galeria

Miercurea Ciuc, December 15, 2025.

The fourth edition of the Regional Tourism Conference was held on October 15–16, 2025, once again hosted by Miercurea Ciuc. As one of the most important professional gatherings in the region, the event brought together nearly 200 tourism entrepreneurs, experts, educators, students, and decision-makers to jointly reflect on the future of tourism, innovation, and opportunities for regional cooperation.

Digitalization, AI, and Cooperation in Focus

The first day of the conference was dedicated to innovation and cooperation. Experts from Booking.com and Travelminit presented concrete examples of how artificial intelligence is transforming the travel experience and guest relations. Norbert Fejér, CEO of HelixSoft, highlighted in his presentation that digitalization is not only a technological issue but also a strategic opportunity to increase competitiveness. The presentation of the România Atractivă project also emphasized the importance of digital development and data-driven decision-making in tourism.

The afternoon continued with two sections: in the TDM section, representatives of several Transylvanian tourist destinations – including Brașov, Mureș, Sibiu, Covasna, and Harghita counties – shared their good practices and future plans, while the parallel communication section focused on practical marketing and visual strategies. Erzsébet Kádár (SmartADDs) spoke about the role of database building, Jenő Nagy (OptiBoost) about online advertising strategies, and Ioana Mihaela Cobiliță (Sinaps) about digital trends – including voice search and AI targeting. In the field of visual communication, photographer and graphic editor László Mihály and László Olasz (Alpix Visual Studio) presented the importance of professional photography, while Zoltán Pál (Magenta7) shared practical experiences on creating tourism program packages. The section concluded with a presentation by Zelinda Páll, marketing communication specialist at Visit Harghita (Harghita Community Development Association), who introduced a new community platform designed for entrepreneurs and organizations interested in tourism.

Gastronomy and Local Values

The second day of the conference focused on the diversity of Transylvanian gastronomy and the future of hospitality based on local ingredients.

The day opened with Előd Szőcs (Csíkcsomortán Abattoir – Butcher Manufactory), who spoke about the value of traditional, locally sourced ingredients under the motto “Only from pure sources.” He was followed by Adorján Trucza, founder of Taste of Transylvania, whose presentation titled Pizza or Polenta? explored the search for identity in Transylvanian gastronomy. István Becze, president of the Association of Székely Farmers’ Organizations, highlighted the role of local producers and the opportunities within gastro-tourism, while Károly Szabó, Executive Director of Visit Harghita (Harghita Community Development Association), spoke about the long-term impacts of obtaining the title of European Region of Gastronomy in his presentation What Will Happen in 2027? Is It the Promised Land?

Szilamér Cseh, founder and head sommelier of the Fine Service Academy, shared his experiences on the art of service and creating guest experiences in his presentation The Secrets of Guest Experience, followed by Domokos Bándi (Gastrobun), who presented the future of gastronomy and strategies for sustainable development. Within the framework of the Food Savers project, Claudia Popa, food engineer at Boroinfo, presented concrete solutions for reducing food waste in the HoReCa sector.

The afternoon program highlighted artisanal gastronomy and creative approaches: photographer Zoltán Biró’s presentation The Photographer’s Coffee in Practice brought the role of coffee preparation closer to the world of gastronomy. István Bocskor, founder of Bocskor Bakery, spoke about the secrets of sourdough preparation and the art of good bread in his presentation Our Sourdough. Judit Potyó, founder of the Sasfészek Gastro Point, shared her experiences in creating and operating a gastro point based on local ingredients.

During the panel discussion Transylvanian Gastronomy Books, participants gained insight into gastronomic publications from the region, including the 100 Recipes – 100 Housewives series and the preparation of the Food Saver Book (Food Savers project).

The two-day event was initiated by the tourism organizations of Harghita, Mureș, and Covasna counties, with the Harghita Community Development Association (Visit Harghita) acting as the main organizer this year. The event was supported by the Pro Economica Foundation, Liliac Winery, Bocskor Bakery, as well as the County Councils of Harghita, Mureș, and Covasna.

At the closing of the conference, it was announced that the main organizer of the 5th Regional Tourism Conference in 2026 will be Visit Covasna. The organizers emphasized that next year’s event will continue in the spirit of regional cooperation and the shared vision of developing tourism.