The Women Writers Route has successfully renewed its prestigious “Cultural Route of the Council of Europe” certification for another five-year period, following the regular evaluation conducted within the 2025–2026 certification cycle.
The decision was adopted by the Governing Board of the Enlarged Partial Agreement on Cultural Routes (EPA) of the Council of Europe during its meeting in Luxembourg from 5 to 7 May 2026. The certification renewal confirms that the Women Writers Route continues to meet the high standards and criteria established by the Council of Europe for certified cultural routes.
The evaluation process included the preparation of an extensive evaluation dossier documenting the network’s activities, achievements, governance, research, and international cooperation. It also involved a visit by an independent evaluator, followed by the formal presentation and defence of the route before the EPA Governing Board in Luxembourg on 7 May 2026.
In its decision, the Governing Board congratulated the Women Writers Route and its members for their continued commitment to the Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe programme and acknowledged the network’s contribution to promoting Europe’s shared cultural heritage through the lives and works of women writers. The Board also provided recommendations to support the route’s further development during the next certification period.
The renewal of the certification is an important recognition of the collective work carried out by all members of the Women Writers Route network across Europe. It confirms the relevance of our mission and encourages us to continue making women’s literary heritage visible and accessible to wider audiences.
The next regular evaluation of the Women Writers Route will take place during the 2031–2032 certification cycle, when the network will once again undergo a comprehensive assessment of its activities and impact.
The renewed certification represents both a recognition of the achievements of the past five years and a testament to the dedication of the entire Women Writers Route network. As the route enters a new certification period, it remains committed to fostering international cooperation, advancing research, and bringing the stories and legacies of women writers to diverse audiences across Europe.