Recent News - Detail

Europe is more than both a currency union and a single market. According to the political scientist and director of the Institute of Cultural Studies in Essen, Germany, Claus Leggewie, open debate about Europe’s history of conflict is indispensable to the development of a democratic European identity. He argues against an “EU-machine of harmonisation” of memory and supports the European Commission’s recommendation to establish a common day of commemoration on 23 August, the anniversary of the Hitler-Stalin Pact. Leggewie posits that this date provides a solid basis for a necessary, pluralistic beginning to European memory.

The Koerber Foundation followed up with an interview:

Koerber Foundation: “Given the current problems, an open discussion of Europe’s common history appears to be an extravagant pastime. In spite of this, why do you give this topic such great importance?”

Leggewie: “As long as Europeans do not develop a sense of “we” from both history and the historical lessons presented to them, and do not develop a democratic identity, the EU will collapse. At the same time, European borders do not end at the fences of Europe itself, but rather include, of course, all of the neighbouring countries to the east and, above all, to the south, and among them the historical relations with the fragile democracies in North Africa and the Middle East.

Koerber Foundation: How can, or how should a common memory appear?

Leggewie: It may not be influenced by diplomatic rituals of avoidance, but rather it must be addressed openly and controversially—perhaps as in the differing perceptions of 23 August, 1939. A “common recollection” is not European, but rather the civil manner in which to consider and work out differences in opinion about the conflicts in history. This has been successful between the hereditary enemies, Germany and France, and, rudimentarily, now between the Germans and the Poles.

Koerber Foundation: What role falls to the youth of Europe in the process?

Leggewie: Their daily perception of European Reality must be central. It’s no use reminding the youth of a Europe as peace project from 1945 or from 1957; they must recognise a development project from today’s challenges.

Leggewie’s book, “The Future in the South: How a Mediterranean Union can revitalise Europe”, will appear in print in October, published by edition Koerber-Stiftung. In his book he returns to the origins of European civilisation in the Mediterranean area, analyses missed opportunities of the Mediterranean Union, explores newsworthy arenas in southern Europe, and formulates a concrete Utopia of a European policy of peace and development at the borders of “our sea.”

Claus Leggewie and Horst Meier share more thoughts about the topic “Retrospection of Europe” in their article, “The EU Machine of Harmonization kindly should not determine history”. (in German only)