We are living in a very important historical moment. The globalisation of economic relations, social mobility and development of new technologies speed up profound social transformations in these final years of the second Millenium. Ethical paradigms and ideological issues evolve. Moreover, here, in Europe, we are facing the challengee of transforming our Continent into a vast region of democratic security. That region, where still exist outbreaks of violence, of xenophobia, of racism, where unemployment and non-acceptance create situations of authentic social breakup.

In this context, the idea of a common cultural heritage emerges as a place to encounter, of mutual understanding and recognition, a place of tolerance and unity which will endow cultural treasures with a sense of social bond. Their conservation and safe-guarding are important, but even more important is their contribution to the construction of the European architecture. Just as important are the social models that can emerge from this combination of cultural wealth and values, from what we now consider to be a shared wealth and what we include in the dimensional outline of continental solidarity. Hence, the importance that the anthropological aspect of cultural heritage has acquired in our times. The ability to discover the true meaning of objects, inseparable from the adventurous lives of human beings who created them, lived with them or made them their work tools. It is here where the memory of humanity finds its full expression.

There are many categories of objects which we consider a part of this evolutionary notion of cultural heritage, as it includes furniture and buildings, material and immaterial goods. Scarce are those, however, that recreate the anthropological image, the human dimension and the social conscience that are often lacking in the conduct and performance of the neo-liberal logic, such as monuments and industrial complexes - authentic manifestations of memory and public spirit.

Because of the nature and the significance of industrial heritage, the policies - as conceived in today's Europe - respond to an ethical imperative and require the collaboration of all public authorities, enterprises and citizens. And there is only one way to secure this collaboration: ajoint, well-organised work in a network of bodies such as the Federation, of which you are members and which we would like to create in all Europe. The campaign, authorised by the heads of states and governments, that the Council of Europe prepares for the years 1999-2000, entitled "Europe. A Common Heritage" constitutes an excellent opportunity for it. The Council of Europe counts on your collaboration.

José Maria Ballester