Viola Scalacci

After four years of dedicated service, Ed Kronenburg is stepping down from his role as Chair of the Supervisory Board of the LRE Foundation. A distinguished diplomat, with a career that included serving as the Dutch Ambassador to Paris and Beijing as well as Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ed brought his international experience, vision, and commitment to remembrance to the Foundation. 

Since first encountering the LREF in Normandy in 2014, he has supported its growth into a leading European organisation in the field WWII heritage and remembrance. As he prepares to pass the torch, we asked him to reflect on his journey with the LRE Foundation and the moments that left the greatest mark. 

Your career as a senior Dutch diplomat has been remarkable. How did you first become involved with the LRE Foundation, and how does the work of the Foundation resonate with you? 

I first became familiar with the work of the LRE Foundation in June 2014 during the 70th commemoration of D-Day in Normandy. There, it was announced that the initiative that originated in the Netherlands in the region of Arnhem and Nijmegen would be broadened to cover also liberation routes in other European countries. A great idea that has been successfully implemented in the years thereafter. 

Since you took on the role of Chair in February 2021, the Foundation has expanded significantly, now having seven offices and members and partners in 15 European countries. Looking back, what do you see as the biggest challenges, and which achievements stand out most to you? 

We owe this growth in no small part to the relentless efforts of our director Rémi Praud, and his staff to raise funds and to professionalise the LRE Foundation. It is now an important, well-known and established organisation in the domain of WWII commemoration activities, attracting and involving both young and old in its initiatives. 

For me it was therefore a pleasure and an honour to be associated with the LRE Foundation as chairman of the Supervisory Board over the past four years, seeing the organisation grow and taking its rightful place in many countries in Europe as a contributor to the need for constantly remembering and paying tribute to the sacrifies made by so many in WWII and especially conveying this message to the younger generations against the backdrop of armed conflict once again haunting our continent. 

During our annual LRE Forum, it was always very rewarding to see how much the work of the LRE Foundation was appreciated and how regions from different countries wanted to join the projects. It was especially moving to hear survivors from concentration camps or military veterans giving there often bone-chilling testimonies of deep suffering, great courage and unbreakable spirit and resistance in overcoming their plights. 

Your diplomatic work often involved building bridges across countries and cultures. How did that experience shape the way you approached leading an international organisation like the LRE Foundation? 

My diplomatic work always meant trying to bridge the differences between countries, positions and people. Trying to find common solutions whilst respecting each other’s background, cultural identity and historic origins, always on the basis of mutual respect. These principles are especially important when addressing past conflict situations, trying to use the past to forge together a better future on the basis of common values and norms. This is what the LRE Foundation is all about, so I really felt that my professional experience served me well in working for the LRE Foundation. 

Of all your experiences with the LRE Foundation, was there a particular person, place, or moment that left a lasting impression on you? 

One of the moments that left a deep impression on me and that I will always remember, occurred during the dinner at the LRE Forum this year in Krakow. On my right was Tania Szabo, the daugther of war hero Violette Szabo who worked as an agent for British Special Operations Executive and who was caught during her second mission into France and executed in the Ravensbruck concentration camp. On my left was Karolina Maczek-Skillen, granddaughter of the famous Polish General Stanislaw Maczek, who played such a crucial role in the liberation of the Netherlands. 

Their experience and their moving family stories made a deep impression on me, demonstrating once more how crucial it is to remember, to convey what happened in the past, to raise awareness thereof, hoping that future generations will be spared the terrible ordeal of war and conflict. 

The LRE Foundation announces a change within its International Supervisory Board, the body that oversees the Foundation’s management, activities, and financial accountability. 

After several years of valuable service, Herre Dijkema is stepping down from his position as a Board Member. Throughout his mandate, Herre contributed his time, knowledge and strategic thinking with remarkable dedication, helping guide the Foundation through key stages of development and international growth. 

As we look ahead, we’re pleased to welcome Jorrit Volkers as the newest member of the Board.

Jorrit is a Dutch executive with a legal and tax background and significant boardroom experience. He has held leadership roles in various foundations and international organizations, dedicated to economic and cultural development. He brings a broad perspective and a strong sense of civic engagement, qualities that will enrich the work of the Board moving forward.

Rémi Praud, Managing Director of the LRE Foundation, commented on the transition: 

“Herre has been a thoughtful and steady presence on our Board. We deeply appreciate the time and attention he has devoted to the Foundation over the years – always generous, always constructive. While our formal collaboration comes to an end, we know his support will not be lacking. At the same time, we are pleased to welcome Jorrit to the Board. His expertise and strategic mindset will be valuable as we continue to grow across Europe.” 

Moments of transition like this are part of the Foundation’s strength. They bring fresh ideas while staying rooted in the long-term vision that connects our network, our mission, and the people behind it. 

The LRE Foundation is proud to welcome V Commandos as its newest member. Founded by Belgian war reporter and historian Philippe Deprez, V Commandos is an ambitious remembrance initiative dedicated to shedding light on a little-known yet crucial episode of World War II: the Allied and Partisan resistance on the Croatian island of Vis. 

As German forces seized control of nearly all of Dalmatia in late 1943, one island held firm: Vis. With support from the Allies following the Tehran Conference, the Yugoslav Partisans turned the island into a stronghold and a base of operations for American and British special forces arriving from Southern Italy. Among them were Belgian commandos of the 10th Inter-Allied, 4th Troop, who served on the island during the spring and summer of 1944. Their role, though often overlooked, was vital to the success of raids on German ships and coastal positions.  

This remarkable alliance between Allied forces and the Partisans became a turning point in the fight for Dalmatia, one documented in photographs and reported internationally at the time but largely forgotten in public memory. 

That is about to change. 

Driven by Philippe Deprez’s deep personal and historical connection to Vis, the V Commandos project aims to bring this hidden history back into the light. In partnership with the LRE Foundation, the initiative will create an immersive, QR-coded heritage trail across the island. Visitors will be able to walk or cycle through key sites, unlocking wartime photographs, stories, and locations through their phones, standing where commandos once stood. 

A dedicated museum is also planned at the island’s center, featuring original photographs, documents, and relics from the wartime period. The project will host public events and conferences, inviting historians and war reporters to explore this chapter in the broader narrative of European liberation. 

“Joining the LRE foundation is a key milestone for V Commandos, paving the way for the creation of a QR-coded heritage trail on the island of Vis.”, says Deprez. “This immersive experience will allow visitors to explore the pivotal events of 1944, when allied commandos, including Belgians, played a vital role in the liberation of Dalmatia.” 

Still in its early stages, the V Commandos project exemplifies the LRE Foundation’s mission: to connect people with the legacy of liberation, across borders and generations. We look forward to supporting Philippe and his team in making his project a reality. 

The LRE Foundation is proud to welcome Les Territoires de la Mémoire as a new member of its international network. Based in Liège, Belgium, the organisation promotes civic responsibility and confronts extremism through innovative educational and remembrance initiatives. 

Established in 1993 by survivors of Nazi concentration camps, the centre was founded in response to the resurgence of far-right ideologies in Belgium. Over the years, it has developed a broad range of initiatives, ranging from exhibitions and workshops to national campaigns and educational resources, aimed at fostering critical thinking, resistance to intolerance, and active citizenship, particularly among younger generations. 

The organisation’s work draws a clear line between past and present, using historical memory as a lens to address current challenges. This perspective is closely aligned with the mission of the LRE Foundation: to safeguard the legacy of the Second World War while promoting a culture of peace and democratic participation across Europe. 

“Les Territoires de la Mémoire wanted to join the LRE network for several reasons,” explained Benjamin Blaise, Director of Les Territoires de la Mémoire. “We already had excellent contacts within the Foundation, and strengthening this European dimension was a natural step. The cross-border nature of our work, shaped by the stories of our founders, aligns with LREF’s vision. We also bring a perspective that connects memory with today’s democratic challenges, something increasingly important in the current context.” 

The partnership marks a significant step in expanding the Foundation’s presence and impact in Belgium and reinforces the importance of cross-border collaboration in memory work and civic education. 

“We are delighted to welcome Les Territoires de la Mémoire to our growing European network,” said Rémi Praud, Managing Director of the LRE Foundation. “Their commitment to remembrance and their dedication to promoting civic engagement are deeply aligned with our mission. In a time of rising extremism and division, their voice and experience are especially valuable.” 

By joining forces, both organisations reinforce their efforts to connect the past with the present and help shape a more just and democratic future. 

We are proud to announce a new collaborative campaign to promote the Liberation Route Europe as a sustainable and cultural tourism destination for audiences in the United States and Canada. 

Developed in partnership with LRE France, LRE Italy, Visit Wallonia, with the support of the European Travel Commission, this campaign will promote the Liberation Route Europe’s international system of hiking and cycling trails connecting historic sites and stories linked to the Second World War. Special focus will be dedicated to routes in the partnering regions showcasing their unique WWII history and cultural sites. 

Already an example of sustainable tourism in practice, the Liberation Route Europe hiking trails offer visitors a different and slow way to explore Europe and its vast historical heritage. Through this new campaign, and following the lead of the European Travel Commission, even greater emphasis will be placed on sustainable and responsible tourism practices, encouraging visitors to travel responsibly, by using public transport, visiting off-season, and respecting local communities while preserving cultural and historical heritage for future generations. 

The campaign is currently in development with the creative agency Story 9 and is scheduled to launch in October 2025. It will also be featured on the prominent Visit Europe brand, ensuring wide visibility among North American travelers interested in meaningful, respectful ways to experience Europe’s shared history. 

Cecilia Badano, LRE Foundation’s Communication Director: “We are very happy about this collaboration. As the European Travel Commission shows, there is a growing interest among North American travelers in sustainable and slow tourism experiences, and many also have a personal or family connection to the history of the Second World War. This campaign is a great opportunity to bring the Liberation Route to a wider audience while encouraging responsible ways to explore Europe’s heritage.” 

For more information about the Liberation Route Europe visit www.liberationroute.com.  

This project is co-funded by the European Union. 

We are thrilled to announce that the 10th edition of the LRE Forum will take place from 9 to 12 March 2026 in Gelderland, the Netherlands. Mark your calendars and get ready to join us in a region that is not only rich in Second World War history and heritage, but also holds a special place in our story. Gelderland is where the Liberation Route Europe project was born, and it continues to be a cornerstone of our network today. 

As our annual event, the LRE Forum brings together our members, partners, tourism stakeholders and heritage professionals from across Europe and beyond. It offers a unique platform to connect, collaborate and exchange insights, while exploring the latest developments in WWII remembrance, heritage governance, and cultural tourism. 

We are currently working closely with our local members and partners in Gelderland to finalise the programme and event venues. Bringing the Forum to this region is not only meaningful, but also a valuable opportunity to highlight its significant place in Europe’s shared memory. 

The LRE Forum 2026 will feature a rich multiday programme, with new workshops, exhibitions, and numerous opportunities to discover and engage with the many projects led by the LRE Foundation. Some key appointments will return, including: 

• The LRE Member Seminar – A moment for our members and partners to come together, share best practices, and receive updates on the Foundation’s activities. 

• The LRE Conference – An afternoon of thought-provoking discussions featuring speakers and experts from around the world on topics related to WWII history and remembrance. This year, we will explore the future of remembrance, looking ahead to what comes after 80 years from the end of the war. 

• The LRE Gala – A special evening for our members to celebrate the work of our community, deepen connections, and enjoy a convivial moment together. 

• The LREXPO – A dedicated networking space where museums, memorial sites, cities, and regions can connect with travel professionals. 

• Site Visits – Guided tours to discover both iconic and lesser-known WWII-related sites across the region of Gelderland, with a particular focus on the local wartime experience and the unfolding of Operation Market Garden. 

A key milestone of this edition will be the official presentation of the LRE Foundation 2030 Strategy, a forward-looking roadmap that outlines our long-term vision, goals and priorities for the coming years.  
 
Whether you’re a returning participant or new to the LRE network, the Forum offers a unique chance to build connections, gain fresh perspectives, and shape the future of remembrance together. 

📍 LRE Forum 2026 
📅 9–12 March
📌 Gelderland, the Netherlands 

Stay tuned for more details coming soon. In the meantime, mark your calendar and get ready for this upcoming edition of the LRE Forum.