With a Story of Courage and Humanity – To the Heart of Europe

At the initiative and under the patronage of Member of the European Parliament Matjaž Nemec (S&D), the exhibition “Franja Partisan Hospital – The Hidden Gem of Europe” was opened at the European Parliament in Brussels, in cooperation with the Idrija Municipal Museum.

The story of the Franja Partisan Hospital speaks to people of all generations and nationalities. It reminds us of the enduring importance of tolerance, solidarity, and cooperation – the very values that continue to hold Europe together today.

The exhibition features panels with descriptions and photographs depicting life in the hospital, original medical items from the Second World War, and an interactive display with digital content illustrating the hospital’s operation and historical role.
Opening remarks were delivered by MEP Matjaž Nemec, Dr. Miha Kosmač, Director of the Idrija Municipal Museum, Milojka Magajne, Curator and Head of the Museum Unit in Cerkno, and Gašper Uršič, Mayor of the Municipality of Cerkno.
In his address, MEP Nemec highlighted that partisan hospitals across Europe were beacons of humanity in the darkest days of war, and that Franja continues to embody courage, compassion, and solidarity:“Caring for one another was always at the forefront – and this message must reach as many Europeans as possible.”

The ceremony also included a message from Vincent Curie, Director of the European Heritage Label, who expressed strong support for the Franja Partisan Hospital and the values it represents: “The EHL Bureau is proud of the work carried out by the Franja Partisan Hospital team. With its undeniable European dimension – embodied by the staff who provided first aid to the wounded and brought them to safety during Europe’s darkest hours – the Franja Partisan Hospital continues to promote our shared European values, from freedom to human dignity. The EHL Bureau truly hopes that the hospital can reopen to the public very soon, as it remains an important place for the EHL and for all Europeans.”

After the opening, a roundtable discussion followed, focusing on the meaning and values of the Franja Partisan Hospital. The discussion brought together MEP Matjaž Nemec, Dr. Miha Kosmač, Milojka Magajne, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bojan Balkovec from the Faculty of Arts, University of Ljubljana, and Mayor Gašper Uršič, moderated by Denis Sarkić.

Special thanks go to academic painter and illustrator Ciril Horjak, the author of the exhibition’s visual design, as well as to Hidria, SGP Zidgrad, and EHO Projekt, the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Slovenia, the Municipality of Cerkno, and the media partner Delo.

We are proud and grateful to have brought this story of courage and humanity – written by our people – to the very heart of Europe.