Tradition, Identity and Future

Basic Issues concerning a European Cultural Policy

DORIS PACK

The focus on economic policy issues has for a very long time pushed culture, as the basis of the European idea, into the…

Our Europe

The Task — Building Europe from the Bottom Up

BERNHARD SCHNEIDER

The EU as a Scapegoat

The question is on the table as to what legitimation and which forms of cohabitation will keep the European Union…

The European Union: When Diversity Trumps Unity

STEVE GREEN

The result of the referendum in the UK in June 2016 on European Union membership has opened a Pandora’s Box of soul searching. A bubble has been burst; it is an open day for critical analysis. The European…

European Republic Needed

ULRIKE GUÉROT

Brexit happened, but Brussels seems to be unwilling to face the tough questions. No compromise, no pick and choose for the UK, and no need to reform. The EU stays as it is and anyone who does not accept this is wrong and thrown out. It’s a huge…

Three Crucial Questions About Europe

WIM WENDERS

• Question: Art has always acted internationally. Music and painting, photography and film, dance and architecture — even literature — are ideal ways of communication among people and cultures. At the same time, art is headstrong…

The Melina Mercouri Legacy

STEVE AUSTEN

More than 30 years after its creation, at an Acropolis-set meeting of the ministers of culture of the European Economic Community — the Europe of the 10 which has now developed into the EU of 28 –, it is perhaps a good idea to reflect on the…

Mission Statement

The Pre-Conference

A Soul for Europe mobilizes citizens and democratic institutions across Europe, fostering a sense of responsibility for the future of Europe and democracy through culture. It is our goal to connect communities in order to build a common…

Culture and Civil Society Vital for the EU Urban Agenda

PHILIPPE EYNAUD

With more than 70% of Europe’s population living in urban areas, cities are playing an increasingly crucial role across the continent. Because of globalisation, cities are competing with each…

Is Less Enough to Imagine the European Narrative?

FRÉDÉRIC MESEEUW

“What our citizens need much more is that someone governs. That someone responds to the challenges of our time.”

Refreshing the European Project

SIMON MUNDY

Then And Now

Manuel Barroso started his term in office as President of the European Commission by addressing the first Berlin Conference of A Soul for Europe in 2004 by declaring that it was time to build…