“History, memory and attachment to democracy are all connected – and deeply rooted – in the communities in which we live. So, we need to teach regional history effectively, steeped in European values,” stressed Peter Drenth (Netherlands, EPP/CCE), Congress Rapporteur on regional history teaching and Deputy Standing Rapporteur on Human Rights, in Bratislava (Slovak Republic) on 3 April 2025.

Speaking at the opening of the EuroClio Annual Conference, he warned about danger of losing historical knowledge and faith in democracy among young people, and the importance of quality regional history teaching as part of the required response. “A climate of democratic backsliding and the “instrumentalisation” of history are problems that must be addressed not only at the national level but at the regional level too,” underlined the Rapporteur.

“I am currently preparing a Congress report that will focus on the responsibilities of regional authorities in history education and addressing challenges that educators face. Tackling these challenges is central to making sure that regional history can take its place in the broader context of national and international understanding,” added Peter Drenth.