This six-month journey is dotted with eleven stops, eleven letters from cities in nine European countries, from Russia to Sweden, Portugal to Bulgaria. They give rise to eleven debates on major issues such as defence, youth, the wounds of the past and... Lire la suite
The crisis faced by the European project today is above all a crisis of meaning. After the disappearance of the narratives about peace and prosperity, the reason for Europe is now the one given by millions of Europeans. Together we must therefore explore a Europe whose institutions are a means but not an end, remain open to discovery, attentive to stories and critical of common ideas.
This six-month journey is dotted with eleven stops, eleven letters from eleven cities in nine European countries, from Russia to Sweden, Portugal to Bulgaria. They give rise to eleven debates on major issues such as defence, youth, the wounds of the past and solidarity, all of which are explored via the stories of dozens of Europeans met along the way.
The crisis faced by the European project today is above all a crisis of meaning. After the disappearance of the narratives about peace and prosperity, the reason for Europe is now the one given by millions of Europeans. Together we must therefore explore a Europe whose institutions are a means but not an end, remain open to discovery, attentive to stories and critical of common ideas.
This six-month journey is dotted with eleven stops, eleven letters from eleven cities in nine European countries, from Russia to Sweden, Portugal to Bulgaria. They give rise to eleven debates on major issues such as defence, youth, the wounds of the past and solidarity, all of which are explored via the stories of dozens of Europeans met along the way.
Foreword 5
Introduction – The moment of departure 9
Letter on Russia 17
Kaliningrad, Russia, July 2013 19
Letter on European defence 27
Brest, France, August 2013 29
Letter on the European institutions 35
Brussels, Belgium, September 2013 37
Letter on colonialism and multicultural Europe 43
Bordeaux, France, September 2013 45
Letter on education in Europe 51
Bruges, Belgium, September 2013 53
Letter on European youth 61
Lund, Sweden, October 2013 63
Letter on migrations in Europe 69
Sofia, Bulgaria, October 2013 71
Letter on citizens 77
Copenhagen, Denmark, October 2013 79
Letter on the rise of populism 85
Budapest, Hungary, November 2013 87
Letter on European solidarity 93
Lisbon, Portugal, November 2013 95
Letter on European memories 101
Riga, Latvia, December 2013 103
As the wind picks up 109
Conclusion – Honfleur, France, December 2013 111
Special thanks 117