10th meeting of the political organisations and foundations of leading Europeans

The Jean Monnet House last week hosted the 10th meeting of the Network of Political Centres and Foundations of Great Europeans, a network established in 2017 to bring together institutions dedicated to the figures who have shaped the European project since 1945. The Jean Monnet Association was represented by Miguel Ángel Martín Ramos and Eric Pestel.

Theme for the 2026 edition

The meeting was devoted to the protection of Europe’s cultural heritage and at the highlighting the legacy of the leading figures in European integration.

Presentations and contributions

The discussions were opened by Jutta Schulze-Hollmén, Director of Visitors’ Services at the European Parliament. Several speakers then shared their expertise:

• Massimiliano Coccia, a journalist, on raising awareness of European history
• Marco Marchetti, Ministry of Culture, on the label Maison des Illustres
• Miguel Ángel Martín Ramos on the European Heritage Label and the Council of Europe Cultural Routes

As the Yuste Foundation’s representative in Brussels and vice-president of the Jean Monnet Association, Miguel Ángel Martín Ramos gave a presentation entitled: «Promoting European culture and history to strengthen European values and identity».

He illustrated his point with:

• the European Heritage Label, which is of particular benefit to the monastery at Yuste
• the Council of Europe Cultural Routes, in particular the The Journeys of Charles V, launched nearly 20 years ago

Overall objective

To highlight the places of remembrance associated with major European figures — Jean Monnet, Altiero Spinelli, Robert Schuman, Winston Churchill, Bronisław Geremek, Felipe González, Louise Weiss… — so that they may:

• to obtain the European Heritage Label, or
• be incorporated into a European Cultural Route recognised.

The event was hailed as an inspiring opportunity for discussion on the preservation and promotion of European heritage. The participants expressed their gratitude to the Maison Jean Monnet for organising the event and hosting them.