On 19 May 2026, the Annual General Meeting of EUFASA AISBL unanimously approved the proposal of the Board of Directors to grant honorary membership to the participants of the first EUFASA conference held in Rome on 10–11 June 1985 (link to the page Rome 1985).

The decision recognises the pioneering role of the distinguished women who laid the foundations for what has become today’s thriving European network of spouses’ associations connected to Ministries of Foreign Affairs. Their vision, initiative, and commitment to fostering dialogue, friendship, and cooperation across Europe continue to shape the spirit and identity of EUFASA.

The origins of EUFASA date back to the Italian Presidency of the European Economic Community in 1985, when the Italian Spouses Association (ACDMAE) organised the first symposium at Villa Madama in Rome. Representatives from ten European countries participated in this historic gathering, establishing a tradition of annual conferences and collaboration that has endured for more than four decades.

A particularly moving moment of the AGM was the message sent by founding participant Dr. Cecilia Lahn, who addressed the assembly in a letter reflecting on the ideals that inspired the creation of EUFASA:

“We had all lived through the horrors of the Second World War, and above all the immense challenges of the post-war years: the urgent need to build a shared future for Europe. We carried with us the profound hope that war on this continent should never happen again.”

In her message, Dr. Lahn recalled the determination of the founding members to overcome prejudice and strengthen understanding between cultures and nations through friendship and dialogue. She encouraged current members to continue this mission, noting that “the work you carry on is more important now than ever.”

Following the EUFASA Conference in Dublin, ACDMAE organised a special gathering to honour the Italian Founding Mothers of EUFASA. During the event, the honorary members received certificates of EUFASA AISBL Honorary Membership in recognition of their historic contribution to the creation of the organisation. The ceremony provided an opportunity to celebrate their achievements and to express the gratitude of the wider EUFASA community. The certificates and the gesture of recognition were warmly received and greatly appreciated by the recipients.

You can read Dr. Lahn’s letter in full below:

„Dear Friends and Members of the EUFASA

I was deeply moved to receive your invitation and to know that you wished to commemorate the founding of EUFASA in Rome in 1985. In these 41 years, so much has happened.

I remember vividly the moment when, together with dear friends, we decided to establish EUFASA. We had all lived through the horrors of the Second World War, and above all the immense challenges of the post-war years: the urgent need to build a shared future for Europe. We carried with us the profound hope that war on this continent should never happen again. We believed that prejudice toward those of other nationalities and cultures was a crucial barrier that had to be broken down — and perhaps you can imagine how formidable a task that was. Yet despite the reservations we encountered, we discovered that our common cultural heritage could serve as a bridge across those divides. Time and again, we found that what united us was far greater than what separated us. Suffice it to say, that as an Italian from Florence and married to a German diplomate, I had to witness many prejudices.

I wish you all the courage and strength to continue along this path. And please — do not be disheartened by the political developments we are witnessing in the world today. The work you carry on is more important now than ever.

I am with you in spirit in Dublin.

Yours,

Cecilia