Brussels, Belgium – October 24, 2024 — The European Observatory on Memories (EUROM) celebrates the 7th edition of its annual network meeting “Taking Stock of European Memory Policies” gathering experts, policymakers, and citizens to explore the diversity of Europe’s memories and foster greater citizen engagement. This year’s one-day conference, titled Diversity of Memories and Citizens’ Participation, is organized in collaboration with Maison Jean Monnet and will take place at the Info Hub of the European Parliament in Brussels on October 30, 2024.
In alignment with the European Commission’s memory policy priorities and the latest European Parliament resolutions, the conference will examine European remembrance initiatives under the Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values (CERV) Programme. Through panels, presentations, and discussions, the event will spotlight key areas including the histories and contributions of marginalized or subaltern groups—specifically the LGBTIQ+ community, the Sinti and Roma people, and persons with disabilities—as well as the impact of youth activism on memory policies.
The opening remarks will count with the participation of Julien Mousnier, Director for Rule of Law, Fundamental Rights and Democracy at the European Commission, Albrecht John, representing the Civil Society Outreach Unit of the European Parliament, and Jordi Guixé, director of the European Observatory on Memories (EUROM).
“This event offers a platform to reflect on how we recognize and honor Europe’s diverse memories, while also addressing the challenges and opportunities in fostering inclusive citizen participation in memory policies,” said Jordi Guixé, Director of EUROM.
The first panel will consist of an evaluation of European remembrance under the CERV programme, focusing on the latest data, future goals, and impacts of these initiatives on civil society. It will be chaired by Domènec Ruiz Devesa, president of the Union of European federalists and former Member of the European Parliament, and will count with interventions by two representatives of the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA), Alessandra Luchetti, Deputy to the Director and Head of the Department of Creativity, Citizens, EU Values and Joint operations, and Godelieve Dutrieux, Head of the Unit Citizens and EU Values.
In the second panel, the discussions will delve into the diversity of memories, with contributions from scholars on the LGBTIQ+ community, Sinti and Roma, and persons with disabilities:
- LGBTIQ+. Moisés Fernandez, Member and co-organizer of the Queer and Feminist Working Group, European University Institute (EUI)
- Persons with Disabilities. Monika Baar, Professor in the History of East-Central and South-Eastern Europe, Late Nineteenth Century to the Present, European University Institute (EUI)
- Sinti & Roma. Annabel Carballo-Mesa, PhD Researcher (University of Barcelona); Director of European and International Projects, Federation of the Roma Associations in Catalonia (FAGiC)
The afternoon session will start with a discussion of the role of youth activism in shaping memory policies across Europe, featuring representatives from JEF Europe, EUROM, and EuroClio, followed by the presentation of the book “10 Elections: A History of the European Parliament at the Ballot Box (1979-2024)” with the book’s editor, Michele Fiorillo, and some key contributors:
- Christelle Savall, President of JEF Europe
- Domènec Ruiz Devesa, President of the Union of European federalists, Former MEP
- Richard Corbett, Former MEP
- Danuta Hübner, Former MEP
The event will conclude with a working session for beneficiaries of the CERV Programme’s Operating Grants in the Remembrance strand. The gathering will provide a collaborative space to foster connections and openly discuss challenges or concerns encountered while implementing current projects. It will also serve as an opportunity to address questions about the upcoming CERV 2025-28 call.
Event Registration Details
Attendees must complete a two-step registration process via the Info Hub platform. Registration is free and can be accessed here.
This year’s conference aims to contribute meaningfully to the ongoing dialogue on Europe’s memory landscape, reinforcing the importance of inclusive memory practices and active citizen engagement.