Historic Cafes Route contributes to the “Partnership for Reconstruction” initiated by the European Parliament in Chisinau

Speech HCR President Arnold G. Klingeis | “Partnership for Reconstruction”

Your Excellencies, distinguished guests, honored audience,

I encourage and support your initiative, as it represents a monumental challenge—the reconstruction of a region in Europe devastated by war—a scenario that, just five years ago, seemed impossible to imagine.

The Historic Cafés Route, promoted by the Council of Europe, is one of the 49 cultural-historical themes considered by the member states of the Council of Europe to best represent the culture, history, and evolution, as well as the crises, of the Old Continent.

The Cultural Routes program spans the continent from its center to the most remote regions of Europe; this program can be considered the most important soft-power instrument developed by the Council of Europe to mediate dialogue between the ethnic and cultural diversity that Europe inherits.

Ladies and Gentlemen, the Historic Cafés Route—by the very nature of its members: historic cafés, iconic restaurants, and hotels that preserve the spirit of dialogue and the evolution of humanity—reflects a legacy starting from the first historic café opened in Constantinople around the year 1475 to the present day, where coffee has become the most consumed beverage in the world.

The Historic Cafés Route in Europe will contribute to achieving the objectives proposed by the initiative we are discussing today by developing tourism—an economic segment that must undoubtedly be part of any modern and sustainable economy.

I wish us great success!

Thank you.