50th anniversary lecture in Paris

On 28 November in Paris, Europa Nostra’s Executive President Denis de Kergorlay gave a lecture on Europa Nostra, entitled ‘De la nostalgie au Bonheur d’être Européen: 50 ans d’engagements citoyens en faveur de la réhabilitation du patrimoine culturel de l’Europe’. The lecture took place on the eve of the exact date on which Europa Nostra was born 50 years ago, precisely in Paris. This event was held at the Cercle de l’Union Interalliée and was attended by some 300 French and international personalities from the worlds of culture, politics and business. For this occasion, Europa Nostra’s President Plácido Domingo sent a special video message.

The event was held at the Cercle de l’Union Interalliée and attended by some 300 French and international personalities from the worlds of culture, politics and business.

The event was held at the Cercle de l’Union Interalliée and attended by some 300 French and international personalities from the worlds of culture, politics and business.

In his lecture, the Executive President of Europa Nostra referred to the landmark moments in the history of the organisation. He also explained the challenges which Europa Nostra faces today for each of the three pillars of Europa Nostra’s action: promoting the best practices in the heritage field through its Awards Scheme run in partnership with the European Commission; campaigning to save Europe’s endangered monuments, sites and landscapes, most recently through ‘The 7 Most Endangered’ programme, developed in partnership with the European Investment Bank Institute; and lobbying for better policies and regulations for heritage at national and European levels. Special tribute was paid to the “founding fathers” of Europa Nostra and to all those who over the years have contributed to the growth of the organisation. The lecture was accompanied by a selection of video clips and photos, thus creating a true visual show on Europa Nostra’s past and present.

“I am proud to be the President of Europa Nostra in this year in which we celebrate the 50th anniversary of our organisation. I am delighted to be able to contribute, together with Denis de Kergorlay and our entire team, to the promotion of the “l’Europe de l’Esprit”. We need this, now more than ever,” stated the President of Europa Nostra in his personal message.

“This rich cultural heritage that we have inherited from past generations is vital for our memory and for our identity. It is the heart and the soul of our Europe. The safeguarding of our heritage is therefore a common responsibility. Everyone can contribute to this cause: architects and artists, policy-makers and parliamentarians, entrepreneurs and craftsmen, volunteers and young people,” added Plácido Domingo. The President of Europa Nostra concluded his message expressing the hope that many more organisations and persons will join Europa Nostra’s movement in favour of heritage which needs to grow further in power and influence.

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