European Association of History Educators

Belonging to Europe - Small Nation, Big Issues

The EUROCLIO Annual Meeting and Conference of 2004 took place from 29 March - 4 April 2004 in Cardiff, Wales. It was very successfully organized by The Association of History Teachers in Wales. This year’s theme was ‘Belonging to Europe – Small Nation, Big Issues’. Some of the main questions that were discussed at the conference were among others, how far should a state agenda and the maintenance of national consensus about the interpretation of the past be the informing principles of history in schools? How do we teach local history from the perspective of its interaction with common European influences, movements and ideas? How far do interpretations of common events vary in different parts of Europe? What are the recent developments in Europe and the prospects for the future?   
120 people from 37 countries have travelled to Cardiff to participate in the conference. The inspiring words of the Minister of Education during the official opening in the beautiful City Hall set the tone for the whole conference. The programme was varied and balanced, including panel discussions, workshops, lectures and several study visits. Highlights were the Museum of Welsh Life and the evening in Caerphilly Castle. The participants were very positive about the conference, especially about the on-site education, excursions, the General Assembly, active workshops, presentations and accommodation and conference venue. We are happy that so many people were eager to participate in this conference. Wales was another highlight our history!