The European Walk of Peace connects the memory of the past with our shared responsibility for peace

The memorandum was signed by 30 institutions from 11 European countries, which pledged to cooperate in managing the heritage of the First World War as a shared European legacy that unites rather than divides.

"The European Walk of Peace is important not only for preserving the heritage of former battlefields. It is also a path of reconciliation and cultural diplomacy that strengthens dialogue, trust and mutual respect among nations. Places that were once the scenes of conflict can become places of encounter, learning and shared reflection on the value of peace," the President stressed in her address.

She also highlighted the contribution of the Walk of Peace in the Soča Valley Foundation, which has spent almost three decades preserving the heritage of the Isonzo Front and integrating it into the broader European context. As the initiator and lead partner of the GOV4PeaCE project under the Interreg Central Europe programme, the Foundation brings together institutions and communities in Slovenia, Italy and other European countries.

Signing the memorandum represents an important step towards further cultural, educational, and professional cooperation, even after the project is completed. The long-term vision is to connect former front lines from Western to Eastern Europe, and eventually also those in the Balkans, to form a European Walk of Peace, which aims to obtain certification as a Cultural Route of the Council of Europe.

The President expressed her clear support for integrating the heritage of First World War into a shared European narrative and for the further development of the European Walk of Peace. She also expressed her belief that former sites of conflict can become part of a joint endeavour to promote reconciliation and peace.