20 years of linking the history of European nations

This year, the European Network Remembrance and Solidarity (ENRS) marks a significant milestone—20 years of linking the history of European nations.

On the 5 February 2005, the ENRS was founded as a joint initiative by the ministers of culture or their counterparts from Germany, Hungary, Poland, and Slovakia—Christina Weiss (Federal Government Commissioner for Culture and Media), Lajos Vass (Secretary of State at the Ministry of Cultural Heritage), Waldemar Dąbrowski (Minister of Culture and National Heritage), and Rudolf Chmel (Minister of Culture), respectively. With Romania joining in 2014, the network was established to document, reflect on, and encourage dialogue about Europe’s turbulent 20th century past, including both world wars, totalitarian regimes, especially Communism and Nazims and their consequences.

Over the years, we have welcomed Albania, Estonia, Georgia, and Lithuania as observer member countries, with their representatives becoming members of the Network’s Assemblies. This year, the Czech Republic transitioned from an observer to a full member of the Network, further strengthening our shared commitment to remembrance and dialogue.

Our mission has remained steadfast: to foster an international dialogue about history and shared cultures of remembrance that transcends borders, acknowledging both the diverse and common experiences that have shaped modern Europe.

Since 2010, the Secretariat of ENRS, based in Warsaw, has led more than 230 projects and events in 32 countries, collaborating with over 550 partner institutions. Through conferences, exhibitions, research initiatives, social campaigns, and different kinds of educational projects, we have worked to ensure that the lessons of the past serve as a guide for the present and future.

History and memory are the foundations of our identity, yet we recognize that historical perspectives vary across nations. This is why ENRS creates spaces for open dialogue, encouraging mutual understanding and responsible education. In 2025, as we commemorate 80 years since the end of the Second World War, we reaffirm our commitment to fostering discussions about its consequences. This includes totalitarian regimes, resistance to oppression, and the shared responsibility of remembrance.

One of the founding principles of the ENRS is that historical awareness is crucial for understanding present-day challenges. By studying and discussing the past, we equip future generations with the knowledge and critical thinking skills necessary to foster dialogue, mutual respect, and reconciliation.

As we celebrate our 20th anniversary, we extend our gratitude to all our partners, institutions, scholars, participants and former and current coworkers who have contributed to our work. Your dedication has made it possible to build bridges of understanding across generations and borders. As we enter our third decade, the Network remains committed to expanding its reach, deepening historical inquiry, and strengthening the ties that connect nations through dialogue and remembrance.

Learn more about the history of the ENRS here and click through a gallery of our past events here: