On 15 and 16 June 2026, within the framework of the GIFTSnet project – Network for Green and Inclusive Fortified Tourism Solutions, the Municipality of Bar hosted project partners from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia and Montenegro. On this occasion, the 4th meeting of the project team and the 3rd meeting of the GIFTS Network were held. The two-day programme included working meetings and a study visit to the Old Town of Bar. During the visit, the partners toured the works on the Gavadolla building, which are financed through the GIFTSnet project, and were introduced to the results of previous investments in the restoration and valorisation of cultural heritage.
At the project team meeting, the results of the project implementation to date were presented, along with progress in the implementation of the work plan, partner activities, procurement procedures, as well as challenges related to the implementation of the project. A special part of the programme was dedicated to the development of the GIFTS Network, plans for 2027 and future cooperation among the partners.
As one of the initiators of the international event “Night of Fortresses”, the Municipality of Bar proudly presented the results of its fifth edition. In Bar, activities were organised at several fortresses and cultural sites throughout the municipality, while the central event – a concert by Marko Louis on the Summer Stage in the Old Town of Bar – gathered more than 300 visitors.
This year, the event was held at 72 sites in 11 countries, with around 230 cultural, educational, sports and ecological programmes carried out. Special focus was placed on examples of good practice presented by local partners and organisations involved in the implementation of the event.
The meeting confirmed the importance of the GIFTS Network as a platform for long-term cooperation between cities and institutions that manage cultural heritage. The partners discussed future joint initiatives, further development of the international network and preparations for the signing of the Memorandum of Cooperation in Trebinje, which will ensure the continuation of cooperation and the sustainability of the GIFTS Network even after the end of the project.
Through the GIFTSnet project, the Municipality of Bar actively contributes to the development of sustainable and inclusive approaches to cultural heritage management, connecting institutions, organisations and local communities with the aim of creating higher-quality cultural and tourism content and strengthening international cooperation.
The GIFTSnet project – Network for Green and Inclusive Fortified Tourism Solutions is implemented within the Interreg VI-A IPA Programme Croatia – Bosnia and Herzegovina – Montenegro 2021–2027. The objective of the project is the development of green and inclusive models for the management of fortified heritage and the improvement of sustainable cultural tourism. The project holder is the Public Institution Fortress of Culture Šibenik, and the partners are the City of Banja Luka, the Municipality of Bar, the City of Karlovac, the Public Institution Museum of Herzegovina Trebinje and the Municipality of Ulcinj. The total value of the project amounts to EUR 2,244,442.80, of which 85% is co-financed by the European Union. The project lasts from 15 September 2024 to 14 March 2027.
This publication was produced with the assistance of the European Union. The contents of the publication are the sole responsibility of the Municipality of Bar and in no way reflect the views of the European Union.
