Saxon Bridge in Europe


Who is behind this?




Idea Sketch | Proposal


Idea pitch

For 800 years since being invited in Transylvania by the Magyar kings to form a bulwark against the infidels, Saxons guarded their Germanic tradition.They lasted in Transylvania a phenomenal eight centuries. As Romania and Germany are EU members, the project aims to make a bridge among the two.

Where will your idea take place?

Sibiu, Ro, Essen, Germany

Why does Europe need your idea?

The massive depopulation of Romania’s Germans (from 4.1%-before WWII to 0.3%-today) through emigration led to the collapse of the 800-years old Saxon community from Transylvania. Despite the statistics, currently there is a more and more interest among them for getting back to the roots. Many departed families have returned, some as so-called "summer Saxons", holidaying in their former homeland. The opportunities of free movement provided to EU citizens have brought changes in trends promoting a “multi-polar” Europe with a diverse heritage. The present project highlights the richness of Europe’s cultural diversity by taking a fresh look at its shared history and heritage. It brings an added value to strengthening connection and cohesion in Europe, by supporting transnational communication

What is your impact?

The project intends to achieve several outcomes, each focused on specific targets. Most important is the development of an open communication platform that facilitates for German emigrants from Romania, their heirs, relatives and for other concerned citizens from Ruhr Area and beyond a better understanding of their history and roots, learning about the constraints of the past and the benefits of a democratic United Europe and developing new contacts through a participatory process. Specific information is made available concerning the Saxon heritage (with a focus on fortified churches), contacts in the local communities, and guidance on most interesting trails of Saxon culture, virtual tours and organization of cultural events, projects of communities from Transylvania and Ruhr.

How do you get there?

Considering the ambitious targets to be achieved within the 1 year project duration, the team will coordinate with partners to develop communication and reporting lines, project plan, risks and mitigation matrix, and communication strategy. The project will be properly disseminated through events, press-conferences and on-line news. A web communication portal will be developed to provide specific information on cultural events in Ruhr and Transylvania, Saxon heritage (maps, pictures, trails, and contacts). The portal provides facilities that enable real time communication and personal contacts among organizations and citizens from Transylvania, Ruhr Region and beyond. A workshop on Saxon history, arts and culture in Transylvania, on the benefits of free movement in EU and common projects

What is your story?


Who are you doing it for?


What makes your idea stand apart?


€ 45000,-

Funding requested from Advocate Europe

€ 45000,-

Total budget

Major expenses


What do you need from the Advocate Europe community?

Any suggestions on how to find appropriate partners in Ruhr area, any other recommendations that could extend the intercultural and community benefits of the project



Idea created on April 13, 2015
Last edit on Oct. 30, 2017

Write comment