The European Institute for Cultural Routes, Luxembourg was set up in 1997, following the signature of a Political Agreement between the Council of Europe and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg (Ministry of Culture, Higher Education and Research). From the start, the main goal of this institution was that of implementing the Cultural Routes Programme of the Council of Europe.

Nearly ten years later, the Institute opens two branches in the South East Europe, one at Sibiu (Romania) and the other one at Sofia (Bulgaria). These two Resource Centres for cultural routes will constitute a showcase that will make more visible the local and regional activities for the rest of Europe. They will relieve the Institute of Luxembourg as far as setting up routes in this part of Europe is concerned. Working together the centres could lend support to the future regional network of experts.