Europe Day celebrations in Angers 2026 - Conference & testimonials

Each year, Europe Day is an opportunity to celebrate peace, unity and the common values that underpin the European project.

In Angers, this dynamic comes to life through numerous cultural, educational and civic events.

In this context, the Rencontre Réconciliation association is offering an exceptional conference dedicated to war memories and their transmission in Europe .

A conference on war memory in Europe

This conference invites the public to discover rare and moving testimonies from 20th century European history.

Through the stories of descendants of World War II veterans, particularly in Germany and the Netherlands, essential themes will be addressed:

• family legacies linked to the war

• the silences and unspoken transgenerational issues

• the psychological consequences on subsequent generations

• the challenges of memory and reconciliation in Europe

These testimonies are part of an approach of understanding, dialogue and transmission , at the heart of the values promoted by the Festival of Europe.

Conference program

• Introduction

• Presentation by Sophie Paré, PhD in German Studies: The Kriegsenkel in Germany

• Testimony of Fredy Krause from the Kriegsenkel association in Wedemark - Family heritage and memory

• Statement by Alex Dekker, teacher and researcher - Dutch testimonies

• Presentation by Romain Taillefait, director of the Maison du Souvenir, on the Maillé massacre

• Interaction with the audience.

Why participate in the Festival of Europe in Angers?

Participating in this event means:

• to better understand European history through personal narratives

• reflect on the mechanisms of memory transmission

• to promote dialogue between peoples

• to contribute to a process of reconciliation and mutual understanding

In a context where international tensions are once again challenging European balances, these times of exchange are essential to give meaning to history and build the future .

Target audience

• all audiences

• history enthusiasts

• students

• people interested in war memoirs

  
  

Conference language

Presentations in French and German. Translation or reformulation provided for the audience.

Registration details

Registration recommended:

• Register on the site

• Register by email: rencontre_reconciliation@orange.fr

.

Organizers / Partners

• The House of Europe

• The city of Angers (Angers celebrates Europe)

• Kinder des Contrastandes

• The Franco-German Citizens' Fund

Practical information

• Location: Angers

• Date: May 27, 2026

• Time: 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

• parking

• Access to the Pelloutier room via Léon Jouhaux Street

• free entry