Dear friends and partners
of the European Institute Renaissance,
at the threshold of the new year, I would like to pause for a brief moment with you – in the quiet space between what has been and what is to come – and express my gratitude.
The past year once again reminded us that Europe is not merely a system of institutions, but above all a community of people, values and encounters. Together, we organised Schuman Day at the Portheimka Gallery in Prague 5 and took part in significant events of the Institute of European Democrats in Bratislava and Naples. These moments confirmed to us that the ideas of dialogue, human dignity and cooperation continue to have a living and tangible form today.
After fifteen years of the Institute’s work, we are entering a new phase in which, with respect for the existing legacy, the symbolic baton is passed to the emerging young European generation. We believe that it will continue to develop European cooperation in the spirit of the values and ideas of its predecessors and collaborators, among whom are Pier Virgilio Dastoli, Jo Leinen, Jacques-René Rabier, Xavier de Villepin, Raymond Metge, Stéphane Crouzat, Erhard Busek, Daniel Kroupa, Eduard Outrata, Zuzana Roithová, and other personalities who have significantly shaped European dialogue.
With humility and a deep sense of responsibility, I announce that I have accepted the role of Director of the European Institute Renaissance.
The Chairman of the Institute is Marek Emanuel Šimek, and Ms Jana Šimková, D.E.S.S., M.B.A., serves as Vice-Chair of the Board of Directors. Together, we continue this mission with respect for the foundations that have been laid and with confidence in our shared path ahead.
Over the past year, I also opened, in cooperation with the European Institute Renaissance, the Academy for Entrepreneurs – a space in which we educate entrepreneurs not only in technical skills related to marketing and commerce, but above all in entrepreneurship rooted in the values of Robert Schuman, upon which the foundations of European cooperation were built.
During the first year of the Academy’s activity, we successfully guided approximately 150 entrepreneurs through their professional and personal development. We do not see this as a goal in itself, but as a quiet proof that entrepreneurship based on values, responsibility and service has a firm place in society.
Allow me also to express my personal thanks.
I would like to thank Alice Bernard Montini, Mario Nicolini, Philippe Michel Kleisbauer and Alexandra Leuliette for the open and inspiring conversations through which I very quickly knew that our cooperation must continue. It was a great honour to meet you personally, and I believe that together we will achieve many further successes.
Special thanks go to Ivo Kaplan – for his role as my mentor and “European father”, for the trust, guidance and wisdom he generously shares with me on this journey.
With deep gratitude, I also thank Ms Jana Šimková, D.E.S.S., M.B.A. It is precisely thanks to her that I accepted this role with calmness and joy, knowing that she will stand by my side. Her knowledge, energy and humanity are exceptional, and I value her greatly – as a professional and as a person.
There is a simple parable that accompanies us:
A house does not stand firmly because of its walls, but because of the intention with which it was built.
In the same way, Europe does not stand on power, but on conscience, humility and faith in human dignity.
As we enter the new year, let us do so with confidence that our work has a deeper meaning and is part of a greater purpose that leads us to service, cooperation and wise building.
I wish you a peaceful, inspiring and blessed new year, full of understanding, courage and meaningful encounters.
With respect and gratitude,
Veronika Soleil Špoková
Director of the European Institute Renaissance
