Showing posts with label report. Show all posts
Showing posts with label report. Show all posts

AGM 2026 report

AGM 2026 in Turin, Italy
On 18 June 2026, the ASCE Annual General Meeting took place in Turin, Italy, organized by AFC Torino S.p.A.

Over 90 participants joined the meeting, including 47 members, and the members' attendance quorum requirement was reached in the second call.

The AGM was presided by Mrs. Lidija Pliberšek, president of ASCE, and all steering committee members were present or gave proxy to other members. During the AGM several things were outlined and discussed:

1.Introduction

  • Welcome speech by ASCE president, Mrs. Lidija Pliberšek.

2.Presidency and Steering Committee activities 2025 / 2026

  • Steering Committee meetings and sessions addressing the following topics:
      • Presidency and Steering Committee activities
      • Charter Development 
      • ASCE administration and ECR activities 
      • Projects and Future Initiatives
      • Review of New Members and Significant Cemetery Applications
      • AGM Organisation, Planning, and Hosting Coordination
  • AGM 2025 in Dresden, Germany (September 2025)
  • Nordic conference in Stockholm, Sweden (September 2025)
  • 14th Annual Advisory Forum on Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe in Cappadocia, Turkey (October 2025)
  • Seminar “Malta in the Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe” in Fort St Angelo, Birgu, Malta (October 2025)
  • Publication of the book "Conoscere per ricordare. L'Antico Cimitero di San Pietro. Pagine della nostra storia" in Aviggliana, Turin, Italy (December 2025)
  • National coordination meeting of Cultural Routes crossing Germany in Lübeck, Germany (January 2026)  
  • Expanding Networks: ASCE Participation in the Women Writers Route Annual Meeting in Oslo, Norway (March 2026)
  • V. Meeting of Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe in Huelva, Spain (March 2026)
  • Seminar The Republic of Moldova in the Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe in Chișinău, Moldova (April 2026)
  • Meeting of the SEFIT Cemetery Cultural and Tourism Enhancement Group and visit to TANEXPO in Bologna, Italy (May 2026)
  • Site-specific listening experience NEPHESH – Protecting the Shadow in Ravenna and Bologna, Italy (May 2026)
  • 13th Training Academy of the Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe in Pécs, Hungary and Osijek, Croatia (June 2026)
  • Project NECROMANTICO - cemetery cultural center in Umbria, Italy (June 2026, work in progress)
  • Digital meeting Baltic-Nordic Cultural Routes Seminar 2026 (June 2026)

3. Financial report and budget

4. ASCE administration, European Cemeteries Route activities 2025 / 2026

  • Administration and presidency work overview
  • IT maintainance and development:
    • Improving communications channels
    • Updating members data
  • Development of marketing materials
  • Managing social media and other communication channels
  • AGMs and Conference support
  • 25 years of ASCE
  • European Cemeteries Route reevaluation in 2027
  • Projects support
  • Cultural routes cooperation

5. ARtour platform and app development

  • Platform overview and purpose
  • Scale and reach
  • User access and mobile app functionality
  • Advanced audio and AI content integration

6. Projects and activities

7. New members and significant cemeteries

8. AGMs and conferences overview

9. SEFIT Italia memorandum of understanding signing

10. AGM 2027

  • Evaluation of candidate applications, with the announcement of the AGM and conference 2027 host expected in September 2026.

10. Conclusions

  • Members engaged in various debates on topics during and after the AGM, confirming the report and plans for the future work of ASCE. 

*AGM materials

AGM 2025 report

AGM 2025 in Dresden, Germany
On 4 September 2025, the ASCE Annual General Meeting took place in Dresden, Germany, organized by Women in Remembrance Culture (WIRC).

Over 60 participants joined the meeting and members' attendance quorum requirement was reached in the second call.

The AGM was preceded by Mrs Lidija Pliberšek, president of ASCE, and all steering committee members were present or gave proxy to other members. During the AGM several things were outlined and discussed:

1.Introduction

  • Welcome speech by ASCE president, Mrs Lidija Pliberšek.

2.Presidency and Steering Committee activities 2024/2025

  • Steering Committee meetings and sessions
  • AGM 2024 in Budapest, Hungary
  • European Cemeteries Route received the Best Practice Award 2024
  • Attendance at the All-Slovenian Cultural Routes meeting in Ljubljana, Slovenia
  • Attendance at the International Conference on Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe in Nova Gorica, Slovenia
  • Attendance at the Conference Cemeteries and Other Spaces of Democratic Memory in Barcelona, Spain
  • Attendance at the 12th Training Academy on Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe in Torres Vedras, Portugal
  • Regular cooperation in the field of sustainable cemetery management with the Chamber of Public Utilities of Slovenia
  • Attendance at the European heritage day in Oslo: At home in Europe.
  • Charter development

3. Financial report and budget

4. ASCE administration and European Cemeteries Route activities 2024/2025

  • Administration and presidency work overview
  • IT maintainance and development:
    • Improving communications channels
    • Updating members data
  • AGMs and Conference support
  • Projects support
  • ARTOUR development
  • Cultural routes cooperation

5. Projects and activities

6. New members and significant cemeteries

7. AGM 2026: from 18 to 20 June in Turin, Italy

8. Conclusions

Members engaged in various debates on topics during and after the AGM, confirming the report and plans for the future work of ASCE. 


AGM materials

The detailed program and AGM presentation are available at this link. Photos, videos, and additional materials from the event will be released over the coming weeks.

AGM 2024 report

AGM 2024 in Budapest, Hungary
On September 19th, the ASCE Annual General Meeting took place in Budapest, Hungary within the organisation of the National Heritage Institute of Hungary.

Over 50 participants joined the meeting and members' attendance quorum requirement was reached in the second call.

The AGM was preceded by Mrs Lidija Pliberšek, president of ASCE, and all steering committee members were present or gave proxy to other members. During the AGM several things were outlined and discussed:

1.Introduction

  • Welcome speech by ASCE president, Mrs Lidija Pliberšek.
  • Welcome speech by host, Mr Gábor Móczár.

2.Presidency and Steering Committee activities 2022 / 2023

  • Steering Committee meetings and sessions
  • AGM 2023 in Mantua, Italy
  • Attendance at TANEXPO
  • Attendance to SEFIT meeting
  • Roundtable discussion titled "Who Oversees the Restoration of Graves"
  • Conference in Belgrade
  • International conference on Cemetery studies
  • Cultural Routes Training Seminar for national stakeholders
  • Member visit: Krakow, The old Cemetery of Podgorze

3. Financial report and budget

4. ASCE administration and European Cemeteries Route activities

  • Administration work overview
  • IT and ARTOUR development
  • Cultural routes workgroups and cooperation

5. Projects and activities

6. New members and significant cemeteries

7. Week of discovering European Cemeteries 2024 / 25

8. Significant cemeteries for sustainable Europe and Gardens of 80

9. AGM 2025

10. Voting and conclusions

Members engaged in various debates on topics during and after the AGM, confirming the report and plans for the future work of ASCE. Detailed program and AGM presentation can be accessed in this link.

AGM was followed by a guided tour in the National Park of Mourning and evening guided tour in the Buda Castle by night.

AGM 2023 report

AGM 2023 in Mantua, Italy
On September 21st, the ASCE Annual General Meeting took place in the TEA headquarters in Mantua, Italy.

Over 130 participants from 16 countries attended the splendidly organised Annual General Meeting and Conference. This year's AGM was particularly important since the elections were held for the ASCE president and steering committee members.

The AGM was preceded by Mrs Lidija Pliberšek, president of ASCE, and all steering committee members were present or gave proxy to other members. During the AGM several things were outlined and discussed:

1.Introduction

Welcome speech by ASCE president, Mrs Lidija Pliberšek.

2.Presidency and Steering Committee activities 2022 / 2023

  • Steering Committee meetings and sessions
  • AGM 2022 in Belgrade, Serbia
  • Work practice in School
  • Best practices award 2022 for Schools on cemeteries project
  • Organizing bus tour around Greece
  • Signing the declaration of intent
  • ESJF European Jewish Cemeteries Initiative conference: Protecting Jewish Cemeteries
  • International seminar “Rethinking landscapes Perspective. Debate and Exchange”
  • 10th Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe Training Academy
  • Training Seminar for Candidate Routes
  • Municipal Cemetery of Kifissia admission to the European Cemeteries Route
  • Women Writers Route certificate award ceremony
  • 1st international scientific and professional conference on cemeteries in Varaždin

3. ASCE administration and European Cemeteries Route activities 2022 / 2023

European Cemeteries Route Manager, Mr Dušan Vrban, presented:

  • ASCE analysis and strategy
  • IT upgrades (CRM system)
  • New version of Artour app and completely new European Cemeteries Route app

4. Week of Discovering European Cemeteries 2024

SC member, Mr Miquel Trepat, presented the theme of the WDEC 2024 - "Cemeteries for environmental sustainability and committed to the fight against climate change."

5. Schools on cemeteries

SC member, Mrs Andreea Pop, presented past and current activities and achievements of the project Schools on cemeteries.

6. Research and science

SC member, Mrs Andreea Pop, presented past and current activities and achievements in the field of Research and science.

7. Communications

SC member, Mrs Renate Niklas highlighted the importance of communication and higher engagement on all available communication platforms (website, social tools, etc.) to be more visible.

8. New members and significant cemeteries

SC members, Mrs Melissa La Maida and Mr John Moffat, presented the new members and significant cemeteries of ASCE as well as new European Cemeteries Route members.

9. Financial report

ASCE president, Mrs. Lidija Pliberšek, presented a review of the financial status and situation of ASCE.

10. Elections

ASCE members voted for the new ASCE president and steering committee members. Among candidates, members voted for following:
  • Lidija Pliberšek, Maribor, Slovenia (president)
  • Melissa La Maida, Bologna, Italy (SC member and vide president)
  • Miquel Trepat Celis, Barcelona, Spain (SC member and vide president)
  • Renate Niklas, Vienna, Austria (SC member)
  • Valérie Madoka Naito, Dresden, Germany (SC member)
  • Thodoris Tzoumas, Skiathos, Greece (SC member)
  • Wenche Eriksson, Oslo, Norway (SC member)
  • Andreea Pop, Bucharest, Romania (SC member)

Newly elected president Lidija Pliberšek nominated new delegated representatives:
  • Theodora-Virginia (Rania) Dalli, Kifissia, Greece
  • Gábor Móczár, Budapest, Hungary
  • Sara Carlquist, Stockholm, Sweden
  • Ian Dungavell, London, United Kingdom

10. AGM 2024

Mr. Martin Ernerth presented an overview of the previous meetings. Then Mr Móczár Gábor Attila introduced the proposal to host the AGM 2024 in Budapest, Hungary.

11. Conclusion

Closing speech by Mr Ian Dungavell.

AGM 2022 report

AGM 2022, Belgrade
On September 15th 2022, the Annual General Meeting took place in the House of the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia in Belgrade.

Over 60 participants from 16 countries signed up for another memorable meeting and conference. The event was a great success in terms of knowledge and ideas exchanged and was characterized by a relaxed atmosphere and the immense hospitality of our hosts.

AGM was preceeded by Mrs Lidija Pliberšek, president of ASCE and all steering committee members were present or gave proxy to other members. Members were present in the second call for assembly to be able to take decisions. During the AGM several things were outlined and discussed:

1. Introduction: Welcome speech and presentation by Mr Vladan Đukić (director of our host JKP "Pogrebne usluge") and Mrs Lidija Pliberšek (president of ASCE).

Mr Vladan Đukić, director of our host JKP "Pogrebne usluge"

2. 20 years of ASCE book:  A special edition printed book was published in 2022 that celebrated the 20th anniversary of ASCE in 2021. All members present at this year's AGM received their copy as a gift. Other members will receive the book by post.

20 years of ASCE book

3. Financial report: A review of the financial status and situation of ASCE was presented by Mrs Lidija Pliberšek.

4. Membership fee: Steering committee decided about the membership fees for the year 2023. Fees are available on the ASCE website here.

ASCE president, Mrs Lidija Pliberšek

5. New significant cemeteries procedure:  A new significant cemeteries recognition method was presented by Mr Ian Dungavell.

Scientific representative, Mr Ian Dungavell

6. New members: New members and significant cemeteries were presented by Mr Ian Dungavell and received the official membership certificat which was handed to them by ASCE president, Mrs Lidija Pliberšek. New ASCE members and significant cemeteries are:

Handing over the ASCE membership certificate

7. Projects and activities: Past, present and future projects were presented by Mr Dušan Vrban, including:

  • importance of ASCE cooporation projects (green torism trends)
  • WDEC 2022 and 2023
  • Cultural routes crossroads project in practice
  • European Cemeteries Route Tour 202x
  • Schools on cemeteries (good practice video)
ASCE Administrator and European Cemeteries route manager, Mr Dušan Vrban

8. European Cemeteries Route: Mr Dušan Vrban presented the European Cemeteries Route and its sucessfull reevaluation, while Mrs Andreea Pop reviewed the Cultural routes of Europe Training Academy and the importance of cooperation with other cultural routes.

Scientific representative, Mrs Andreea Pop

9. ASCE in Spain: Mr Miquel Trepat explained how activities and implementation of projects related to cemeteries look like in Spain. Above all, he highlighted the importance of cooperation with different active partners of the community and presented all the challenges and opportunities on concrete examples.

SC Member, Mr Miquel Trepat Celis

11. Sceintific representatives report: Mrs Andreea Pop and Mr Ian Dungavell reviewed the work of  ASCE Sceintific representatives in the past year.

Photos from AGM 2022

Photos from the AGM and conference 2022 are available in this album.

AGM 2018 report

AGM 2018 report
On September 20th, the Annual General Meeting took place at city hall Innsbruck.

Over 100 participants from 18 countries joined a splendidly organised meeting and conference. Thoughtful presentations and sparking debates revealed new ideas and possibilities for developments of our cultural heritage.

AGM was preceeded by Mrs Lidija Pliberšek, president of ASCE and all steering committee members were present or gave proxy to other members. During the AGM several things were outlined and discussed:

1. Steering Committee work

New Steering Committee member, Mrs Renate Niklas from Vienna was presented and confirmed by members. Steering Committee work was presented by Mrs Wenche Eriksson. Members remarks were taken into account and decisions from steering committee meeting in March were presented.

2. Financial report for 2017

A well balanced finances statement provides secure future for general work of ASCE. Mrs Lidija Pliberšek presented the surplus achieved that is invested into future work of ASCE.

3. ASCE promotion materials

ASCE promotion materials and communications were presented by Mrs Renate Niklas and Mrs Carol Diaz Ortega. New marketing materials were presented. Explanation on existing materials with best usage practice. /p>

4. Cooperation of ASCE with other institutions

Mrs Melissa La Maida presented the cooperation of ASCE with other institutions like European institute of Cultural routes, SEFIT or other initiatives that are undergoing in our Association. Mr Martin Ernerth highlighted a few specific cases of the developing cooperation and presentations of ASCE in various conferences and places.

5. Good practices

Mr Thodoris Tzoumas presented the case of Skiathos as a very active member with many notable results. It was agreed that such good practice presentations will be part of each future AGM.

6. New members and significant cemeteries

New members of ASCE, European Cemeteries route and new significant cemeteries were presented by president Mrs Lidija Pliberšek.

7. Cemeteries entries project

Project Cemeteries entries is developing and Mr Thodoris Tzoumas presented the current situation while encouraging the members who did not do it yet to proceed with installation of the insignia in their cemeteries.

8. Scientific Representative report

Scientific Representative report was presented by Andreea Pop, highlighting the editorial work for AGM and developments of new European Cemeteries Route brochure which is available for members to print. Future focus will be on developments of online and offline cooperation among scientists covering the subject of European cemeteries.

9. Call for AGM hosting

Mr John Moffat presented the Guidelines and benefits for AGM hosting and a call for AGM hosting in 2021 and 2022.

10. European Cemeteries Route overview

Mr Dušan Vrban as the manager of the route presented the renewed strategy of European Cemeteries Route, projects and ideas for further developments. Importance of stories was highlighted through project proposal MyStöries. Mrs Bojana Kisin presented a case of working with children at cemeteries. In 2019 a bus tour is planned and members will be invited to propose hosting of a tour.

11. Invitation to AGM 2019

AGM ended with an invitation to AGM 2019 in Ghent by Mr Joeri Mertens.

12. Photo gallery

Photos from the AGM and conference are available at following albums:

AGM 2017 report

AGM 2017 report
On October 5th, the Annual General Meeting took place at Harokopio University, Athens.

With over 110 participants from 19 countries at the meeting and conference, event was a great success in terms of knowledge and ideas exchanged.

In 3 days we held AGM and conference and experienced the wisdom and art of ancient and modern Greek.

Thanks to presidency, steering committee and exceptional organizational efforts of our host, the Harokopio University, all the participants could have developed new ideas.

AGM was preceeded by Mrs Lidija Pliberšek, president of ASCE and all steering committee members were present or gave proxy to other members. During the AGM several things were outlined and discussed:

1. Steering Committee work

Steering Committee work was presented by Mrs Beatrix Czipetits. Members remarks were taken into account and decisions from steering committee meeting in March were presented.

2. Financial report for 2016

A well balanced finances statement provides secure future for general work of ASCE. Mrs Lidija Pliberšek presented the agreed future presentations of financial statements in form of cash flow statements.

3. New charter registration

Secretary of ASCE, Mrs Metka Debevc, presented the procedure of registration of modified charter which ended in February 2017.

4. Promotion materials and communications

ASCE promotion materials and communications were presented by Mrs Carol Diaz Ortega. Marketing materials which are available to all members on the website were outlined with explanation on best usage practice. A proposal for smaller postcards was presented and in 2018 SC will prepare a smaller version of the postcard.

5. Cooperation of ASCE with other institutions

Mrs Wenche Madsen Eriksson and Mrs Melissa La Maida presented the cooperation of ASCE with other institutions like European institute of Cultural routes, SEFIT or other initiatives that are undergoing in our Association.

6. Global promotion of ASCE

Mr Thodoris Tzoumas presented the presentation letter of ASCE to the ministries of culture in Europe, cemetery day proposal project, and presentation article about ASCE for newspapers and magazines around the world. The article will be available for all members at ASCE webpage.

7. New members and significant cemeteries

New members of ASCE, European Cemeteries route and new significant cemeteries were presented by president Mrs Lidija Pliberšek.

8. Memorandum of understanding

A special Signing ceremony of Memorandum of Understanding between ASCE/UTILITALIA-SEFIT was performed in order to emphasise the importance of cooperation between ASCE and other organisations. Mrs. Lidija Pliberšek, president of ASCE and Mr. Michele Gaeta, representative of UTILITALIA-SEFIT signed the Memorandum.

9. Projects and logos usage

Projects and logos usage rules were presented by ASCE administrator Dušan Vrban with outlining of the appropriate use.

10. European Cemeteries Route developmnet

European Cemeteries route progress was presented by ASCE administrator Dušan Vrban. In 2017 the route has grown to over 900 points (monuments descriptions) created in the cemeteries. Many of these points are translations but overall we are noticing a significant growth of itinerary available to the visitors.

The reevaluation report required for certification by the European institute of cultural routes was prepared by the presidency.

Symposium in Ljubljana gained much attention in 2017 and many members proposed such workshops to be continued in future years.

A first European Cemeteries route info point was presented that will be positioned in Maribor in October 2017. The point will allow visitors of Maribor cemeteries to explore European cemeteries route and its members on a touch screen with other information available.

11. Symbols project

Symbols project final results were presented by ASCE administrator Dušan Vrban with emphasis on availability of results for the European Cemeteries route members.

12. Week of Discovering European Cemeteries

Mr Olaf Ihlefeldt presented the Week of Discovering European Cemeteries (WDEC) activities in 2017 as well as theme and possible activities for 2018. In 2018 activities should support the Year of European Cultural heritage and should take place between May 18 and June 3.

13. Cemeteries entries project

Project Cemeteries entries is developing and Mr Thodoris Tzoumas presented the current situation while encouraging the members who did not do it yet to proceed with installation of the insignia in their cemeteries.


14. Scientific Representative report

Scientific Representative report was presented by Andreea Pop. Prof. J. S. Curl was confirmed by Steering Committee and Scientific committee/board as a non elected advisory to our scientific committee.

Activities for forthcoming 2018 European Year for Cultural Heritage were outlined and a proposal to join the European Heritage Alliance 3.3 - an informal European sectoral platform composed of more than 40 European or international networks and organisations active in the wider field of cultural heritage.

15. Call for AGM hosting

Mr Martin Ernerth presented the Guidelines and benefits for AGM hosting and a call for AGM hosting in 2020 and 2021.

AGM ended with an invitation to AGM 2018 in Innsbruck by Mr Alexander Legnitti.

16. Conclusions

AGM 2017 provided insight into many developments within ASCE in recent years. Projects and our daily work are bringing together many resources on our common quest of preserving and promoting cultural heritage in cemeteries.

An extended and full program of the conference and side events organised by Harokopio University provided many additional insights into history and future of cemeteries and thus helped participants understand a broader picture on possible new strategies.

17. Photo gallery

Photos from the event will be gathered in this album in following days.

AGM 2016 report

AGM 2016 report
On October 6th, the Annual General Meeting took place at Dublin castle, Dublin.

With 118 participants at the meeting and conference, event was a great success in terms of knowledge and ideas exchanged.

In 3 days we held AGM and conference and experienced traditional Irish hospitality of our friendly hosts.

Thanks to presidency, steering committee and exceptional organizational efforts of our host, the Glasnevin Trust, all the participants could have developed new ideas.

AGM was preceeded by Lidija Pliberšek, president of ASCE and all steering committee members were present or forwarded their votes to other members. During the AGM several things were outlined and discussed:

1. Financial report for 2015

A very well balanced finances statement provides secure future for general work of ASCE. Surplus of previous years is notable in financial assets of ASCE.

2. Communication

ASCE communications efforts were outlined with focus on ASCE 15 years and new ASCE presentation booklet created for this opportunity.

Members can download a full printable version of this booklet for their own promotional intentions on this link.

Besides the booklet a special video for the conference was created which can be seen below.

3. European Cemeteries Route development

Developments on European Cemeteries route were presented. Within last year members of European Cemeteries route were offered an option to download automatic leaflets for their cemetery in relationship with points presented on the route website. These leaflets can be sent directly to the print shop which reduces the costs of design.

In spring of 2017 a special workshop will be organized for the members of the European Cemeteries route with following program:

  • creating cemeteries guides
  • using marketing materials
  • other promotional and organizational aspects of tourism in cemeteries

4. Symbols project

Symbols project results were presented. In recent years ASCE participated as a partner without budget in the Symbols project, one of the best projects in current EU funded program Culture. Many useful results from the project will be available for ASCE and Cemeteries route members in following years.

5. Week of Discovering European Cemeteries

Week of Discovering European Cemeteries leaves much impact in international audience and this is visible even in search trends across globe. This year members increased their activities and in further years we want to establish even more common communications regarding this project.

6. Cemetery entrances project

Let's see ASCE (Cemetery entrances) project continues and 25 cemeteries already joined in the new video. All members are invited to send us their photos as described in the project description.



7. New ASCE members

New members of ASCE and their significant cemeteries were presented. Expanding the knowledge:



8. Ideas for future work

Andreea Pop, ASCE scientific representative presented plans and ideas for future work in scientific pool of our association. Emphasis were about the role of representative, coordination of Editorial boards of conferences, extending researchers network and bibliography. All interested researchers may contact representative on science@significantcemeteries.org

9. Charter changes

Charter changes were presented by dr Markus Pinter. Members voted to confirm for charter changes with all participating members agreed on the changes. Final version of the charter will be uploaded to the website as it is confirmed by legal entities in Italy.

10. Conclusions

AGM 2016 provided insight into many developments within ASCE in recent years. Projects and our daily work are bringing together many resources on our common quest of preserving and promoting cultural heritage in cemeteries.

The conference and side events organized by Glasnevin trust provided many additional insights into history and future of cemeteries and thus helped participants understand a broader picture on possible new strategies.

11. Photo gallery

Photos from the event are provided in this album.

AGM 2015 report

AGM in Bucharest, Romania
On September 24th, the Annual General Meeting took place at Gabroveni Inn in Bucharest, Romania.

With 100 participants from 18 countries at the meeting and conference, event reached the high standards of our annual gatherings.

In 3 days we held AGM, conference, additional workshop of Symbols project and experienced personal hospitality of our friendly hosts.

Thanks to presidency, steering committee and exceptional organizational efforts of our host, City of Bucharest, all the participants could have developed new ideas.

AGM was preceeded by Lidija Pliberšek, president of ASCE and all steering committee members were present or forwarded their votes to other members. During the AGM several things were outlined and discussed:

1. Financial Report

Financial report for 2014. A very well balanced finances statement provides secure future for general work of ASCE. Surplus of previous years is notable in financial assets of ASCE.

2. Communications

ASCE communications efforts were outlined with notable natural rise of website and social channels growth. Members were invited to participate in maintaining communications by becoming website editors or social media managers. All interested members can send email to admin@significantcemeteries.org to participate.

3. European Cemeteries Route Developments

Developments on European Cemeteries route were presented:

  • Mobile guide ARTOUR transitioned to mobile learning platform and now offers the members possibility to create their own routes and tests, use the map at their website and much more.
  • New poster was developed and exposed in Belgrade city center.
  • New website of Institute of cultural routes was presented where our route is now more visible and presented in many more details. Presidency worked hard with the institute to include all the members while much work is to be done further to fully use the powers of their website.
  • A workshop is planned in 2016 to get the members of the route work more tightly together on promotional aspects of the route in future.

4. Cultural Projects

Week of Discovering European Cemeteries leaves much impact in international audience and this is visible even in search trends across globe. This year members increased their activities and in further years we want to establish even more common communications regarding this project.

Let's see ASCE (Cemetery entrances) project continues and we have prepared a video of entrances photo we have gathered in 2015. All members are invited to send us their photos as described in the project description.

5. Membership Expansion & Reevaluations

New members of ASCE and their Significant cemeteries were presented. Expanding the knowledge:



Results of reevaluation tests 2015 were presented with 2 members being proposed for exclusion.

6. Election Results

Elections 2015 took place with 9 candidates for Steering Committee and 1 candidate for president. Elections report is available here. Members voted and elected:

For president:

CountryTownNameElected for
SloveniaMariborLidija PliberšekPresident

For Steering Committee:

CountryTownNameElected for
AustriaViennaBeatrix CzipetitsSC member
GermanyBerlinMartin ErnerthSC member
GermanyBerlinOlaf Ihlefeldt - not elected
GreeceSkiathosThodoris Tzoumas - not elected
ItalyBolognaMelissa LamaidaSC member
NorwayOsloWenche ErikssonSC member
SerbiaBelgradeBojana KisinSC member
SpainBarcelonaJordi ValmanaSC member
United KingdomLiverpoolJohn MoffatSC member

7. Conclusions

AGM 2015 sparkled new energy in our lives. We grew once more with so many new members and projects that continue growing. Our mission is fulfilled with each year we continue this devoted work. So we look into our future with pride and enthusiasm. Because next year in Dublin we will present more new results from our work. The projects we work on together.

8. Photo Gallery

Photo glimpses from AGM and conference are availableHERE.

AGM 2014 report

AGM in Barcelona, Spain
On October 2nd, the Annual General Meeting (AGM) took place. This time in Barcelona, Spain.

With 120 participants from 17 countries at the meeting and conference, the event was an unprecedented success. In 3 days we held the AGM, workshops, visited 2 significant cemeteries and experienced Barcelona extraordinary architecture, life and diversity.

Thanks to presidency, steering committee and exceptional organizational efforts of our host, Cementiris de Barcelona, all the participants could have developed new ideas.

AGM was guided by president of ASCE, Ms Lidija Pliberšek and all steering committee members were present or forwarded their votes to other members. During the AGM, several things were outlined and discussed:

1. Financial Report

Financial report for 2013. A very well balanced finances statement provides secure future for general work of ASCE.

2. Charter Changes

Notes of significant charter changes in past years were outlined once more to remind members of new addresses and arranged ASCE legal status.

3. Membership Criteria & Evaluations

4. ASCE Promotional Activities

ASCE promotional activities were presented. Constant growth in website visitors and email subscribers is noticed.

Strong emphasize was put on delivering the emails through spam filters which can be done by support of all members. We have advised everyone to make sure with the help of IT professionals the emails from ASCE are delivered to the inbox of their email client. ASCE is doing everything to lower the chances of having emails in spam folders, nevertheless filters are very varied by their nature.

New significant website sections were presented: researchers network, bibliography and EU projects. Especially the latter provides many new possibilities for members to use the strength and infrastructure of association in approaching new project ideas.

Project Rest in peace memories was exposed as an example of good practice that can help members achieve much publicity in local and regional media and public. ASCE provides big database of professional photos that can be used by members to expose cemeteries from other European regions in our own local community. This brings important contrast to the minds of local people, helping them understand why their own cemetery is significant as well. We strongly advice members to take note of this approach and create new exhibitions with multilateral cooperation with other members of ASCE.

5. European Cemeteries Route

European Cemeteries route is one of the ASCE main projects. While aiming at opening cemeteries to tourists it is strongly connected to many other activities of ASCE members who participate in this.

In past year, new website of the Route was built. It is particularly different to the ASCE site since it is intended for tourists and end users, not for professionals or researchers who look at the cemeteries from other perspectives

Website is created in a way that the content about cemeteries is directly presented from the ASCE website. Members who decide for extended membership in the route can as well add more points to the cemetery and have it presented in mobile guide (smart phone application) ARTOUR

In 2014 European Cemeteries Route was confirmed certification by Institute of cultural routes of Europe

Members were notified of extensive set of marketing materials available for them to promote their cemetery and the route in their own environment.

6. Events & Project

ASCE is active in many projects as association and by many members in particular networked projects.

Members were notified of much progress at Week of Discovering European Cemeteries. Project is very much alive each year and getting more and more attention. It is however very important to make sure all events are promoted over ASCE website and channels as well. Therefore all members are invited to share their events by sending an email to administrator or secretariat.

ASCE is providing information regarding many other events, like guided tours, concerts and other that take place at Significant cemeteries. Members are therefore invited to supply these events information as well.

To raise awareness about ASCE all over Europe, it is important to properly signify the cemetery entrances. Therefore Steering Committee decided to start a project of cemetery entrances photos. Until May 2015 all members are requested to send a photo of cemetery entrance (in maximum quality) that has the ASCE insignia on.

Any member who wishes to participate in EU projects can do so by joining the ideas or create new ideas at our EU projects page.

7. New ASCE Members

  • New members of ASCE and European Cemeteries route were presented.
  • Several other important notifications were outlined by presidency and steering committee:
    • AGM 2016 will be held in Dublin.
    • It is important that members try to arrange with their organization IT professionals to get ASCE emails into regular Inbox folders and to avoid having it recognized as spam or junk email.

8. Conclusions

We are very proud to continue important work for our cemeteries and seeing growth of membership and activities by members. AGM 2014 proved there is a lot of interest in expanding such work and we are sure that in Bucharest in 2015 we will see even more amazing projects which will bring our visitors in touch with the cemeteries.

AGM 2012 report

AGM 2012 in Maribor, Slovenia
On September 13th, the Annual General Meeting (AGM) took place. This time in European Capital of Culture 2012, Maribor.

AGM was guided by president of ASCE, Ms Lidija Pliberšek and all steering committee members were present or forwarded their votes to other members. During the AGM, several things were outlined and discussed with some important decisions being made:

1. Agenda Overview

  1. Financial report for the year 2011 and first 8 months of 2012
  2. Changes of the charter of ASCE
  3. Report on EUCEMET project
  4. Report on Cemeteries route project
  5. Report on Week of Discovering European Cemeteries 2012
  6. Presentation of new promotional and other tools within ASCE (flyer, banner and insignia at the bottom of this webpage)
  7. Report on regular secretariat work

2. Financial Report

Members took note of the financial reports and no issues were raised about them.

3. Charter Modifications

Members of ASCE voted about the important changes of the old ASCE charter. Due to changes in Italian legislation in 2009, we had to make minor expressive changes which do not change the content or meaning of the charter. Changes were accepted with 100% of present members voting for the changes. Secretariat will submit the new charter to Italian authorities.

4. EUCEMET Project Status

Mr. Yvan Corbat presented the EUCEMET project, its history, current status and further activities. The complete presentation of the project is avaliable for download on this link. Within project, 3 very important results are being achieved: photo exhibition (with opening ceremony that was held during AGM in Maribor), Augmented Reality Browser application which was presented during AGM and Q&A guides which will be presented at the next AGM. All the details will be presented at the ASCE website.

5. European Cemeteries Route & WDEC 2012

President Lidija Pliberšek briefed the members about the current status of Cemeteries route project, which is currently managed by outsurced company. Since it was not managed by the expectations of the members in the past year, further developments are being planned that will be introduced to all members. Steering Committee delegated president Lidija Pliberšek and Martin Ernerth to meet with current route managers and arrange future steps and developments.

This year, hundreds of events took place all over Europe in the Week of discovering European Cemeteries (WDEC). We have tried to gather them in the event calendar. All the events we have gathered are also presented in this PDF file.

6. Secretariat Work & IT Communications

In past 12 months, secretariat proposed and created many new tools for collaboration and promotion inside ASCE:

  • new website that already has editors from 3 countries; new editors from Netherlands and United Kingdom were arranged during AGM;
  • extended use of Google cloud with all documents now properly archived and accessible to other members;
  • managed photo archive in Picasa web albums that includes over 115 albums already;
  • many additional website services like Google maps and events calendar that make the IT and marketing structure of ASCE easier managable;

7. New Promotional Tools

Especially, all members can now use:

ASCE flyer may be used in any quantaties. Arrange your own printing after you download the flyer at this link. Also avaliable in simmilar design is the ASCE banner.
ASCE Insignia may be used as according to the Insignia rules, set by steering committee of ASCE. Any member who wishes to use the insignia, must ask the secretariat to receive the files necessary to use it.

8. New Members and Future Outlook

AGM 2012 ended with presentations of the new members (Westerveld, A Coruña, Alcoy) and invitation to the next AGM 2013 in Netherlands.

Vienna AGM report

In September 22th and 23th Annual General Meeting took place in Vienna. Our host was Friedhofe Wien and AGM took place in an amazing atmosphere of Museumsquartier in the centre of Vienna.

Many interesting presentations, lectures and workshops took place, focusing on new social habbits that are changing the landscape of our cemeteries.

Important part of the AGM were the elections for the news president and steering committee of the association. Lidija Pliberšek, candidate for president, won 46 out of 49 votes and became the new president of ASCE. As the new president, Lidija set a daring and challenging vision for the ASCE:
To get
every European citizen
in touch

with European cultures
resting in cemeteries.


New Steering Committee now consists of:

Martin Ernerth, Berlin (Germany)
John Moffat, Liverpool (United Kingdom)
Ilme Maesalu, Tallin (Estonia)
Jordi Valmana, Barcelona (Spain)
Margaret Eckbo, Oslo (Norvege)
Markus Pinter, Vienna (Austria)
Melissa Lamaida, Bologna (Italy)
Pasca Herve Daniel, Paris (France)
Bodan Peter Tänase, Bucarest (Romania)


AGM in Vienna was interesting and dynamic with a lot of new ideas, friendships and cooperation brought up among the members of ASCE. The amazing city of Vienna and a relaxed atmosphere created a wonderful set of photos you can see in the following album. Photos were randomly selected for the first preview, album will be updated later as we filter and finalize all the material:


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