The seventh edition of EUROM’s annual event, Taking Stock on European Memory Policies, brought together 40 participants at the European Parliament’s Info Hub in Brussels on October 30. Organized in partnership with the European Parliament’s Maison Jean Monnet, the event highlighted the importance of a comprehensive approach to European memory that actively involves citizens to foster meaningful progress in acknowledging and promoting diverse narratives. Special focus was placed on the histories and experiences of the LGBTIQ+ community, the Sinti and Roma people, and persons with disabilities. Discussions also underscored the ongoing challenges in boosting citizen participation, especially stressing the critical role of youth engagement in these efforts.
A key theme throughout the event was the need to inclusively commemorate marginalized or subaltern memories—those of the LGBTIQ+ community, the Sinti and Roma people, persons with disabilities, and others often overlooked in traditional memory policies. Speakers and panelists emphasized that integrating these narratives into European memory policies is essential not only for historical accuracy but also for promoting social cohesion and countering the rise of revisionist narratives.
Citizen participation emerged as another pillar of the discussions, with a focus on creating opportunities for young people to actively engage with memory work. Through innovative educational programs and youth-led projects, participants highlighted how fostering a sense of ownership over historical narratives among younger generations strengthens democratic values and counters polarization.
The event concluded with a reaffirmation of the need for sustainable funding, transparency, and flexible frameworks that allow memory initiatives to operate independently of political influence. It is clear from the dialogues that memory policies must continue to evolve to encompass diverse perspectives and actively involve citizens if they are to effectively safeguard democracy across Europe.
Opening remarks
The event’s opening emphasized the critical need for a collaborative framework, bolstered by transparent funding, to sustain educational and commemorative initiatives that both honor history and actively engage European citizens in democratic values. Speakers highlighted the pivotal role of memory in shaping a democratic Europe capable of withstanding historical distortion and contemporary polarization.
Albrecht John, representing the European Parliament’s Partnerships Team within the Civil Society Outreach Unit (DG COMM), emphasized the strategic role of civil society collaboration in election processes. He outlined how engaging with civil society organizations has been an integral component of encouraging voter participation and involvement in democratic processes. Recognizing the success of previous outreach efforts, he indicated that the Parliament plans to reevaluate its approach but remains committed to sustaining these collaborative events to foster strong institutional frameworks. John emphasized that empowering citizens to influence the future of Europe relies on strong institutions. He also mentioned the European Parliament’s commitment to increasing public understanding of legislative processes and parliamentary accountability, as new commissioners are set to be elected soon.
Julien Mousnier, Director for Rule of Law, Fundamental Rights, and Democracy at the Directorate-General for Justice and Consumers (DG JUST), highlighted the importance of partnerships between public and private institutions in establishing effective memory policies. He stressed that initiatives focusing on the Holocaust and authoritarian regimes—fascist and communist—are crucial in addressing current European challenges, including antisemitism and historical denialism. Mousnier underscored the ongoing need for European education on democracy and memory, particularly for younger generations who may lack direct historical context. Furthermore, he stressed the necessity of commemorating the persecution of marginalized groups such as the LGBTQ+ community, and the Roma and Sinti communities, to acknowledge their suffering and raise awareness of the impact of systemic violence. Eventually, he outlined that promoting memory-based education is essential to counteract polarization and prevent the recurrence of past violences.
Jordi Guixé, Director of the European Observatory on Memories (EUROM) at the University of Barcelona’s Solidarity Foundation, advocated for enhancing connections between institutions and citizens to support inclusive memory policies. He stressed the importance of incorporating diverse narratives, including those of historically marginalized groups, into memory programs. Guixé called for critical engagement from citizens across regional, national, and international levels to strengthen public responsibility and citizen rights. He highlighted the role of direct European funding in ensuring transparency, accessibility, and independence from political influence, which are crucial for the continuity and credibility of memory initiatives. Guixé also emphasized the need for flexibility within funding frameworks to better support these goals and thanked the event’s attendees and collaborators for fostering productive synergies.
Panel 1. European Remembrance under the CERV Programme: Facts, Figures, and Future Priorities
The first panel addressed current priorities and future challenges within the European Union’s Citizens, Equality, Rights, and Values (CERV) programme, which funds initiatives on European remembrance. The session featured insights from key officials at the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA), Alessandra Luchetti and Godelieve Dutrieux, and was chaired by Domènec Ruiz Devesa, former Member of the European Parliament and President of the Union of European Federalists. The conversation focused on the growing demand for funding, challenges of expanding beyond EU borders, and the importance of historical memory in supporting democracy.
The panel provided a comprehensive look at the current and future priorities of the CERV programme. Discussions underscored the need to adapt to changing political landscapes, ensure inclusive remembrance, and foster democratic values by connecting historical memory to today’s social and political challenges. Looking ahead, there is a shared commitment to broadening the scope of remembrance initiatives and exploring ways to strengthen the programme’s impact across Europe and potentially beyond its borders.
Alessandra Luchetti highlighted a significant increase in proposals for funding under the CERV programme. While there is more funding available, many high-quality proposals still go unfunded due to budget constraints. Countries such as Italy, Spain, and Poland have emerged as leaders in coordinating CERV projects, with remembrance of the Holocaust and crimes against humanity remaining the top priority.
Luchetti noted that the application process has become more accessible, encouraging more participation, particularly as new tools and technologies, including AI, streamline the submission process. She emphasized the importance of evaluating programme impacts, underlining EACEA’s commitment to ensuring that all funds allocated generate measurable positive outcomes.
Godelieve Dutrieux discussed the possibility of broadening CERV’s scope to include non-EU countries, which currently is restricted due to the programme’s alignment with core EU values. Although some partnerships exist through association agreements (e.g., with Albania, Bosnia, and Ukraine), expanding further will depend on the upcoming multi-annual financial framework (MFF), set to start in 2028, which could potentially include a more extensive collaboration.
Protecting Historical Memory and Addressing Revisionism
Chair Domènec Ruiz Devesa addressed the essential role of historical memory in supporting democracy. He noted that as Europe moves further from the events of the past, there is an increased risk of revisionist narratives overshadowing collective memory. This situation underscores the need to link historical memory with younger generations and engage them in active citizenship, particularly through education.
Ruiz Devesa stressed the importance of discussing a wide range of European memories, including those from Eastern European and Mediterranean authoritarian regimes, as well as the overlooked histories of marginalized groups such as LGBTQ+ communities, Sinti and Roma populations. He advocated for financing projects that actively counteract negative historical narratives and promote democratic values.
Q&A Highlights
In response to a question from Aline Sierp, Head of the History Department at Maastricht University, on the rising interest in CERV programmes, Luchetti attributed the increase to improved application processes and wider knowledge of the funding opportunities available. She acknowledged frustrations from applicants unable to secure funding, suggesting that a larger budget and alternative strategies may be required to meet growing demand.
She also highlighted EACEA’s initiatives to measure the impact of programmes effectively, citing upcoming events focused on evaluating projects in areas like media literacy. By closely monitoring and supporting funded projects, EACEA aims to demonstrate the tangible benefits of each euro invested.
Panel 2: Diversity of Memories
The second panel held a discussion that covered the unique challenges and intersectional dimensions of memorializing the experiences of marginalized groups, including persons with disabilities, the LGBTIQ+ community, and the Sinti and Roma. Chaired by Oriol López, Coordinator of the European Observatory on Memories (EUROM), the panel sought to emphasize the need for diverse and inclusive memory practices across Europe.
The panel underscored the importance of recognizing the unique experiences of these marginalized or subaltern groups, and advocated for intersectional approaches in memory practices. Each speaker emphasized that true representation requires moving beyond stereotypical narratives and acknowledging the complex realities of discrimination and solidarity within and between these communities.
In his introduction, Oriol López highlighted EUROM’s commitment to pluralizing memory across geographic and social lines, noting the organization’s efforts to address often-overlooked violent pasts, such as those in Northern Ireland, Portugal, Greece, Spain, or the Western Balkans. EUROM’s Subaltern Memories’ program aims to address these neglected narratives, empowering communities to reclaim histories that have been marginalized within mainstream memory practices.
Persons with Disabilities
Monika Baar from the European University Institute addressed the lack of representation for persons with disabilities in European memory policies. Baar highlighted that the diversity within this group, combined with the absence of political lobbying and perceived lack of agency, has contributed to this neglect. Memorials related to persons with disabilities, such as those commemorating the Holocaust, often frame them in binary terms—as either heroic figures or victims—while ignoring the realities of their everyday lives and struggles. Baar called for a more intersectional approach that includes solidarity and the complexity of lived experiences, rather than relying on narratives of compassion or marginalization. She also stressed the need for archiving material related to this community, as these records are often relegated to storage with limited accessibility.
LGBTIQ+ Communities
Moisés Fernández Cano, founder of the Queer and Feminist Working Group of the European University Institute, expressed concerns over the treatment of queer history as a niche topic, often discussed only within queer-focused contexts. Fernández Cano argued that this compartmentalization risks reinforcing the idea of “otherness.” He underscored the intersectionality of queer identities, which intersect with socioeconomic status, race, and other discriminated characteristics. In cinema, for example, representations of queer individuals in the 1980s often intersected with depictions of marginalized groups, reflecting broader social dynamics. While queer history involves narratives of resilience and celebration, the community continues to grapple with past and present challenges, particularly in response to the rise of far-right political movements across Europe, which exploit queer rights to fuel xenophobic agendas.
Sinti & Roma Communities
Annabel Carballo-Mesa, a PhD researcher from the University of Barcelona, detailed the historical struggle for the recognition of the Samudaripen/ Porrajmos, the genocide of Sinti and Roma by the Nazi regime. The recognition, which took decades of advocacy, is still marginalized within broader Holocaust memorial practices, and many Sinti and Roma monuments face ongoing threats of vandalism. Carballo-Mesa highlighted the importance of including the Sinti and Roma narratives within educational curricula and public commemorations, emphasizing the intersectionality of these communities with other oppressed groups, including those with disabilities. However, the fragmented nature of these groups and their differing historical experiences complicate efforts toward unified lobbying for memorialization policies. Carballo-Mesa called for a dedicated commemoration day and a deeper exploration of the group’s repression under regimes like Franco’s in Spain.
Panel 3: Youth Activism in Memory Policies
This panel explored diverse initiatives engaging young people in preserving historical memory and heritage through innovative projects and educational approaches. The debate underscored that youth engagement in memory work flourishes through interactive, youth-led methods. By combining creative expression with educational projects, organizations like JEF, EUROM, and EuroClio foster an empowered youth cohort that values historical memory as a foundation for democratic engagement and cultural identity.
The session, chaired by Debora Righetti from the Maison Jean Monnet of the European Parliament, also highlighted the School on European Memories, a collaborative initiative between the Maison Jean Monnet and EUROM. This program brings young people together in historically significant locations, such as Ventotene (Italy) and the Jean Monnet House (France). Through a transgenerational dialogue, participants are encouraged to reflect on and shape their own perspectives on European history, engaging with activists from previous generations. This exchange fosters a deeper, more personal connection to memory policies, enriching the participants’ understanding of Europe’s past and its ongoing relevance.
Xesc Mainzer Cardell, Vice President of the Young European Federalists (JEF Europe), shared how the organization champions a federal Europe founded on democratic principles and the rule of law. JEF organizes an annual event in Ventotene to honor the island’s antifascist legacy and collaborates with other associations to safeguard and share historical records. Mainzer emphasized the critical role of integrating cultural heritage and memory into efforts to foster democratic values among young people.
David González, Project Manager at the European Observatory on Memories (EUROM), highlighted several youth-oriented initiatives:
- “You&Me” where young participants from different countries work together to produce policy briefs on memory dissemination.
- “Rap for Memories”, a project that uses urban art and music workshops to engage students in exploring historical topics. The initiative culminates in graffiti art on the walls of Barcelona’s La Model former prison and the recording of hip-hop and rap tracks, all documented in an audiovisual report capturing the entire process.
- The summer expedition “Route to Exile”, which brings memory-related learning to life by making it accessible and enjoyable, moving beyond traditional solemnity to connect more deeply with young audiences.
Paula O’Donohoe, Project Manager at EuroClio, emphasized that young people are interested in memory work when they are given meaningful platforms and the opportunity to lead. EuroClio empowers students to guide their own historical research, with teachers playing a supportive rather than directive role. This approach allows students to choose topics, research methods, and formats, such as podcasts, for presenting their findings.
During the Q&A, Cinta González Sentís, Secretary General at Federation of Young European Greens (FYEG), emphasized the importance of incorporating young people as active stakeholders in decision-making processes for projects and initiatives related to memory and societal transformation. She stressed that youth should not merely be participants or beneficiaries but should also be included at all levels, especially in the creation of programmes and design and implementation of policies, thus becoming equal partners. González Sentís argued that involving young voices at all levels fosters inclusivity, ensures relevance to future generations, and strengthens the long-term impact of these initiatives.
Presentation of the book 10 Elections: A History of the European Parliament at the Ballot Box (1979-2024)
The book 10 Elections: A History of the European Parliament at the Ballot Box (1979-2024) was presented by Michele Fiorillo, its editor, alongside contributors Christelle Savall (President of JEF Europe), Richard Corbett (former Member of the European Parliament), and Danuta Hübner (former Member of the European Parliament). The panel explored the history and evolution of the European Parliament, emphasizing its role in strengthening democratic principles and increasing direct citizen participation in European governance.
The discussion highlighted the European Parliament’s ongoing journey toward democratic legitimacy and citizen engagement. The panelists agreed on the importance of continued elections as a means of amplifying diverse voices within Europe, and they reaffirmed the Parliament’s role as a critical space for shaping the region’s political direction.
Key Insights from Panelists
Christelle Savall
Representing the new generation of European leaders, the president of the Young European Federalists (JEF Europe) highlighted the responsibilities and opportunities that young Europeans inherit from previous generations. Her presence underscored the significance of intergenerational dialogue in shaping the future of Europe’s democratic institutions, especially as they face contemporary challenges.
Danuta Hübner
Hübner discussed the fundamental role of European elections in allowing citizens to feel connected to governance. She emphasized that although democratic mechanisms can sometimes falter or be exploited to erode democracy, regular elections ensure that every generation has the power to shape the democratic systems they live under. According to Hübner, the European Parliament offers a unique space to debate critical issues, including navigating inevitable challenges and considering ways to correct certain political courses.
Richard Corbett
Corbett provided historical context, noting that the European Parliament initially served an advisory role on legislative matters presented by the European Commission. Over time, the Parliament’s role expanded, requiring its approval for substantive changes proposed by the Commission. This evolution has transformed the European Parliament into a more democratic and protective institution, allowing it to reinterpret laws with a focus on democratic guarantees.
More pictures available on Flickr
Related activity
Diversity of Memories and Citizens’ Participation. Taking Stok 2024