The Regional Committee for Dobrogea’s Candidacy for the title of European Region of Gastronomy 2029 — composed of the National Union of Romanian Employers – South-East Region (UNPR-RSE), the City Hall of Năvodari, the “Regina Maria” National College of Arts Constanța, and Kirvad Tour — officially announced the submission of the candidacy and presented the next stages of this initiative, which holds strategic significance for the region’s sustainable development. The project was initiated by UNPR-RSE and is supported through a strong interinstitutional partnership.
The four members of the Regional Committee officially signed the collaboration protocol for Dobrogea’s candidacy together with the International Institute of Gastronomy, Culture, Arts and Tourism (IGCAT). This partnership brings together key stakeholders from the public, private, educational, and civil society sectors, reflecting a shared commitment to promoting Dobrogea’s gastronomic, cultural, and tourism values.
Who is the initiator of the project?
The candidacy is initiated and coordinated by UNPR-RSE, in partnership with:
The signatories of the protocol are:
- Daniel Constantin Moraru – President of UNPR-RSE, initiator of the project
- Florin Chelaru – Mayor of Năvodari
- Anca Iuliana Dragomir – Director of the “Regina Maria” National College of Arts
- Daniel Tiberiu Vadineanu – Administrator, Kirvad Tour
- Dr. Dianne Dodd – President of IGCAT
Why is Dobrogea applying?
Dobrogea is unique within the European landscape — a space of ethnic, cultural, and gastronomic diversity located between the Danube and the Black Sea. Over 15 ethnic groups coexist here, and its culinary heritage stands as a symbol of harmony and living tradition.
▶ Dobrogea’s candidacy represents a historic opportunity to turn this heritage into a competitive advantage — in tourism, hospitality, agriculture, and education.
▶ The title brings international visibility, investment, economic growth, and the strengthening of an authentic regional identity.
“We take on the role of initiator and regional coordinator in this strategic project. Dobrogea has all the right ingredients to become a European benchmark in sustainable gastronomy, and this candidacy marks the beginning of a collective effort — by and for the local community.”
— Daniel Constantin Moraru, President of UNPR-RSE
Why the year 2029?
Since Harghita will hold the title in 2027, and Banat has already applied for 2028, Dobrogea aims to apply for the year 2029.
What is IGCAT and why does the title matter?
IGCAT – the International Institute of Gastronomy, Culture, Arts and Tourism is a prestigious international organization founded in 2012, bringing together experts, universities, thought leaders, and European institutions. It supports regions that promote and enhance their gastronomic and cultural identity in a sustainable and innovative way.
The title of European Region of Gastronomy aims to:
- Strengthen food security
- Stimulate the local economy
- Promote gastronomic and cultural education
- Support balanced and sustainable tourism
The distinction is awarded based on a comprehensive application, evaluated by an international jury of experts in tourism, gastronomy, education, and sustainable development. Awarded regions become part of a collaborative network, developing strategic projects with global visibility, supported by organizations such as the European Commission, UNESCO, Lonely Planet, National Geographic, and BBC Good Food.
Examples of awarded regions:
Catalonia (Spain – 2016), Sibiu (Romania – 2019), Kuopio (Finland – 2020), Sicily (Italy – 2025), Gozo (Malta – 2026), Harghita (Romania – 2027).
International visibility – Dobrogea represented in Sicily (European Region of Gastronomy 2025)
In May 2025, Teodora Moraru and Carmen Ispas, representatives of UNPR-RSE, participated in the 29th Meeting of the World Platform of Gastronomy Regions, held in Sicily, the European Region of Gastronomy 2025.
The Dobrogea delegation took part in working sessions dedicated to sustainable gastronomic tourism, the promotion of local products, and the development of regional cultural projects.
Participation in the World Food Gift Challenge 2025
A key highlight of the visit was participation in the international World Food Gift Challenge 2025, organized by IGCAT. Dobrogea was represented through four traditional products:
- Moș Iosif – a gift set of dry-cured meats: Tatar ghiudem, babic, beef pastrami, and smoked duck breast.
- Dobrodulce – an artisanal set featuring natural honey (acacia and linden), a beeswax candle, and a handwoven reed basket.
- Darie Wines – Cuvée Ruxandra (aged white wine with notes of peach and vanilla) and Străbun Fetească Neagră (deep red wine with aromas of black cherries and wild herbs).
- Techir – Food for Skin – a skincare set with therapeutic mud and saline water from Techirghiol, enriched with goat milk and honey.
🏆 Moș Iosif won the “Best Tasting” award for its exceptional selection of artisanal products, reflecting the multicultural heritage of Dobrogea.
Next steps in the project:
- Preparation of the candidacy file (by May 2026)
- Involvement of local stakeholders and organization of gastronomic and cultural events
- Official visit of the IGCAT international jury to Dobrogea
Call to the community: Dobrogea needs you!
This initiative is not only about institutions — it’s about every person from Dobrogea who wants to contribute to promoting their region:
➡ Local producers
➡ Organizers of gastronomic festivals
➡ Educational institutions
➡ Hospitality and tourism operators
➡ Cultural and minority communities
Everyone is invited to join this historic project for Dobrogea.
📞 For information and details:
🌐 www.dobrogeagastronomicregion.com
✉️ office@unpr-rse.ro