Strengthening European Unity and Cultural Awareness
Project CAMINO, formed by eight universities and a film studio from seven EU countries and Ukraine: the University of Latvia (Latvia) – the Project’s lead partner, Vilnius University (Lithuania), the University of Tartu (Estonia), the University of Opole (Poland), J. E. Purkyně University in Ústí nad Labem (the Czech Republic), Comenius University Bratislava (Slovakia), Ludovika University of Public Service (Hungary), King Danylo University (Ukraine) and VERY Films (Latvia), aimed to celebrate Europe’s cultural diversity by raising awareness of our shared history, culture, and values. It engaged diverse audiences—including students, academics, political and cultural stakeholders, and the general public—through intercultural dialogue and activities that deepened appreciation of Europe's historical, cultural, and social dimensions. Through a series of cultural and educational events, the project ran from March 2024 until February 2025.
Key Achievements:
- Signing of the Memorandum of Cooperation (May 29, 2024) – Established a long-term partnership among universities, strengthening cross-border academic and cultural collaboration.
- International Student Photo Contest – "Inspired by Europe" (March 11 – April 19, 2024) – A creative showcase of student perspectives on Europe, culminating in an exhibition in Brussels.
- Public Events Celebrating 20 Years of EU Enlargement (May 9, 2024) – Engaged diverse communities through Europe Day discussions and commemorations.
- International Flashmob – "Ode to Joy" (May 9, 2024) – A symbolic musical tribute to European unity, performed across multiple partner countries.
- Launch of the Collaboration Platform – universities4culture.eu (June 10, 2024) – Created a central hub for international dialogue, resource sharing, and future collaborations.
Long-Term Impact and Cultural Exchange
Beyond its scheduled events, Project CAMINO established a strong foundation for continued academic and cultural exchange. Notable highlights include:
- Documentary Film – "Ordinary Life: 20 Years in the EU" – A powerful exploration of personal experiences in the EU since the 2004 enlargement. Now available online: Watch here.
- Lifelong Learning Course – "Intercultural Awareness in Central and Eastern Europe" – A pioneering educational program on intercultural communication, available to the public via CAMINO and partner university websites.
A Lasting Legacy
Project CAMINO demonstrated the power of cultural cooperation in bridging nations and reinforcing shared European values. The partnerships and networks established through this initiative will continue to inspire future projects, ensuring a lasting impact beyond its official conclusion.
We invite universities, student associations, and cultural organizations to join our platform for future collaborations!
For updates on upcoming initiatives, please visit universities4culture.eu and follow us on social media: Facebook and Instagram
 enlargement, we joined forces to implement CAMINO ("CAMINO – 20 Years of Cultural Enrichment in Reunified Europe"). The project explored the impact of the 2004 EU enlargement on cultural aspects and values in the new member states while strengthening cultural and academic ties across CEE. It also laid the foundation for a long-term cultural cooperation network among the partner universities. ){kind=link}