DOCSLIB.ORG

Culture, Cities and Identity in Europe

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Culture, Cities and Identity in Europe Culture, Cities and Identity in Europe STUDY European Economic and Social Committee Culture, Cities and Identity in Europe Culture, Cities and Identity in Europe Study This study was carried out by Culture Action Europe and Agenda 21 for Culture – UCLG following a call for tenders launched by the European Economic and Social Committee. The information and views set out in this study are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee. The European Economic and Social Committee does not guarantee the accuracy of the data included in this study. Neither the European Economic and Social Committee nor any person acting on the European Economic and Social Committee’s behalf may be held responsible for the use which may be made of the information contained therein. Culture, Cities and Identity in Europe Contributors For Culture Action Europe Managing Editor Katherine Heid Research Mehdi Arfaoui Katherine Heid Advisor Luca Bergamo Layout Natalie Giorgadze For Agenda 21 for Culture – UCLG Research Carina Lopes Jordi Baltà Portolés Advisor Jordi Pascual Supporting editor Simon Mundy ii Culture, Cities and Identity in Europe FOREWORD by Luca JAHIER As President of the Various Interests Group of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) I strongly recommend this study on 'Culture, Cities and Identity in Europe' which was commissioned by the EESC. At the heart of this study are the following questions: can Culture help us to overcome the systemic, political and identity crises which are currently shaking the European Union? What role can Culture and Cities play in strengthening social and territorial cohesion, in engaging in dialogue and building trust in our complex societies? Can Culture bring Hope, New Narratives and a second Renaissance to Europe? Culture has an enormous untapped potential for becoming a unifying and mobilising instrument in Europe. It is my firm belief that at a time when extremism is increasing unabated, at a time when our citizens are questioning their common identity more than ever since 1945, now is the moment to firmly place Culture and cultural policies at the heart of the European political agenda! Now is the time to invest in the sector and to support the plethora of actors engaged in cultural governance. Now is the time to include Culture as a tool of soft power in Europe's External Relations and to promote Culture as the 4th Pillar of Sustainable Development! As Jean Monnet wisely stated: "If I had to do it again, I would begin with culture". Luca JAHIER President of the Various Interests Group European Economic and Social Committee iii Culture, Cities and Identity in Europe Table of Contents 1. Introduction ................................................................................................................................... 1 1.1 Cities ......................................................................................................................................... 2 1.2 Culture ..................................................................................................................................... 3 1.3 Identity and New Narratives .................................................................................................. 3 2. Methodology .................................................................................................................................. 5 3. A Miscellany of facts and figures ................................................................................................. 7 3.1 Culture, diversity and its importance to citizens.................................................................. 7 3.2 Culture as an activity ............................................................................................................ 10 3.3 Culture as a market .............................................................................................................. 11 4. Summary of reports and examples of good practice ................................................................ 14 4.1 Culture as a vehicle for economic growth ........................................................................... 14 4.1.1 Defining the scope ............................................................................................................ 15 4.1.2 The economic impact of the cultural & creative sector .................................................... 16 4.1.3 Information and communications technology (ICT) and the cultural sector .................... 17 4.1.4 Heritage and economic growth ......................................................................................... 17 4.1.5 Cultural events and economic growth .............................................................................. 19 4.1.6 Cultural routes and economic growth............................................................................... 21 4.1.7 Perspectives ...................................................................................................................... 21 4.1.8 Good practices .................................................................................................................. 23 4.2 Culture as a tool for reconverting cities .............................................................................. 26 4.2.1 Defining the scope ............................................................................................................ 26 4.2.2 The diverse relations between culture and regeneration .................................................. 27 4.2.3 Recognising culture as a core component of urban renewal and development ................ 28 4.2.4 Spillover effects of culture in peripheral urban areas ....................................................... 30 4.2.5 The importance of citizen participation and rooted regeneration processes..................... 31 4.2.6 European Capitals of Culture, their positive impacts and non-confirmed expectations ... 32 4.2.7 Good practices .................................................................................................................. 33 4.3 Culture as a tool for integration and inclusiveness ............................................................ 38 4.3.1 Defining the scope ............................................................................................................ 38 4.3.2 Intercultural dialogue and migration ................................................................................ 39 4.3.3 Gender .............................................................................................................................. 42 4.3.4 Special needs .................................................................................................................... 43 4.3.5 Good practices .................................................................................................................. 45 4.4 Culture as a pillar of European Identity within Europe and beyond .............................. 48 4.4.1 Defining the scope ............................................................................................................ 48 4.4.2 The contribution of cities and regions to European identities and narratives................... 49 4.4.3 The role of cities beyond Europe as autonomous cultural policy actors .......................... 50 4.4.4 Cross-border co-operation and mobility ........................................................................... 52 4.4.5 Networking ....................................................................................................................... 54 4.4.6 Identity, European narratives and cultural rights.............................................................. 56 4.4.7 Good practices .................................................................................................................. 58 5. Reflections and recommendations ............................................................................................. 62 6. Bibliography ................................................................................................................................ 69 iv 1. Introduction The European Union is a beacon of peace, security and human rights. It looks to be a space of exchange and democratic debate, of openness and creative possibilities. Nonetheless, this study is commissioned in a context of falling popularity and a crisis of the perceived legitimacy of the European Union. Increasing nationalistic tendencies, exploited and encouraged by political movements promoting short term gain, are seen across the continent. Key values are questioned and viewed differently between European countries, but debate and exchange of these values is often lacking or avoided. In parallel, a fragmentation of the social fabric of our societies leads to a lack of participation and growing isolation. In a European Union aiming to find structural responses to these and other developments and challenges on political, social and economic levels, questions of culture, cities and identity hold key roles in finding solutions towards contemporary challenges. In view of numerous open questions and possible perspectives, the European Economic and Social Committee commissioned the present study on “Culture, Cities and Identity in Europe”. The study addresses political decision makers, professionals in urban administration and planning and cultural players alike, aiming to provide both a qualitative and
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Intermodal Freight Transport Key Statistical Data 1 D Ζ JJC · 3 1992-1997
    ζ o o Ui Oí Intermodal freight transport key statistical data 1 D ζ JJC · 3 1992-1997 THEME 7 Transport eurostat STATISTICAL OFFICE OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES L-2920 Luxembourg — Tél. 4301-1 — Télex COMEUR LU 3423 B-1049 Bruxelles, rue de la Loi 200 — Tél. 299 11 11 A great deal of additional information on the European Union is available on the Internet. It can be accessed through the Europa server (http://europa.eu.int). Cataloguing data can be found at the end of this publication. Luxembourg: Office for Official Publications of the European Communities, 1999 ISBN 92-828-7307-2 © European Communities, 1999 Printed in Luxembourg PRINTED ON WHITE CHLORINE-FREE PAPER τ» O κ C LU σι σι Ci Intermodal freight transport key statistical data 1992-1997 # * EUROPEAN Δ THEME 7 COMMISSION eurOStat le^iiJ Transport Preface This publication is the first step to publish existing non-harmonised statistical data on intermodal freight transport concerning the European Union. The publication will be progressively improved in the future when more data on intermodal transport becomes available. All comments and suggestions to improve this publication are welcome and should be sent to the following address: European Commission Statistical Office of the European Communities Unit OS/C/2 Jean Monnet Building, Rue Alcide de Gasperi L-2920 Luxembourg e-mail: [email protected] Ξ£ EU Intermodal Freight Transport eurostat TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction 7 Executive summary 8 Intermodal transport key data 10 General situation and trends of transport
    [Show full text]
  • The History of the European Monetary Union and Useful for Opening up New Horizons
    The financial and economic crisis that hit Europe in 2009 brought out the precariousness of the monetary union, accentuating the economic disequilibrium among European nations and strengthening Euro-skepticism. The History of the European The crisis was the catalyst for long-standing and unresolved problems: the creation of a singly monetary area with intergovernmental control, the Monetary Union final act in the construction of a Europe economically united but without a government and a state; the consequent discrepancy between forming a consensus that remains in large part national and the political dynamics in Comparing Strategies amidst Prospects Europe; the sustainability of a monetary union in the absence of an economic- for Integration and National Resistance social union, which presents again the long-standing debate between “monetarist” countries and “economist” countries. This book aims at placing current events within a long-term framework composed of a mosaic of multidisciplinary contributions that can provide the reader with keys which are adequate for an understanding of these events The History of the European Monetary Union and useful for opening up new horizons. Daniela Preda is Full Professor at the University of Genoa and Jean Monnet Chair ad personam in History of European Integration. Former president of the Associazione universitaria di Studi Europei (Italian section of ECSA), she is Daniela Preda (ed.) a member of the Scientific Board for the PhD program in History (University Daniela Preda (ed.) of Pavia). Her most important research interests concern the history of the European Community and the history of the federalist movements. She published many books and essays; she co-edited with Daniele Pasquinucci the following books published by P.I.E.
    [Show full text]
  • The Jewish Contribution to the European Integration Project
    The Jewish Contribution to the European Integration Project Centre for the Study of European Politics and Society Ben-Gurion University of the Negev May 7 2013 CONTENTS Welcoming Remarks………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………1 Dr. Sharon Pardo, Director Centre for the Study of European Politics and Society, Jean Monnet National Centre of Excellence at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev Walther Rathenau, Foreign Minister of Germany during the Weimar Republic and the Promotion of European Integration…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………3 Dr. Hubertus von Morr, Ambassador (ret), Lecturer in International Law and Political Science, Bonn University Fritz Bauer's Contribution to the Re-establishment of the Rule of Law, a Democratic State, and the Promotion of European Integration …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………8 Mr. Franco Burgio, Programme Coordinator European Commission, Brussels Rising from the Ashes: the Shoah and the European Integration Project…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………13 Mr. Michael Mertes, Director Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung, Israel Contributions of 'Sefarad' to Europe………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………21 Ambassador Alvaro Albacete, Envoy of the Spanish Government for Relations with the Jewish Community and Jewish Organisations The Cultural Dimension of Jewish European Identity………………………………………………………………………………….…26 Dr. Dov Maimon, Jewish People Policy Institute, Israel Anti-Semitism from a European Union Institutional Perspective………………………………………………………………34
    [Show full text]
  • Biographies & Abstracts of Speakers and Chairs
    UNICA Rectors Seminar Digitalization and Education. Can universities keep up with Industry 4.0? University of Zagreb 23-24 May 2019 Biographies & abstracts Organised in the framework of the 350th anniversary celebrations of the University of Zagreb Presentations will be available at: http://www.unica-network.eu/event/unica-rectors-seminar-university-zagreb Page 1 of 13 Biographies & abstracts Miloš JUDAŠ (Overall Chair) Vice-Rector for Science, Inter-Institutional Cooperation and International Relations, University of Zagreb Miloš Judaš was born on May 1, 1961. He is currently employed at the University of Zagreb School of Medicine as full professor of neuroscience and anatomy as well as director of the Croatian Institute for Brain Research and director of the Center of Excellence in Neuroscience. He also serves as the Vice-rector for Science, Inter-institutional cooperation and International relations at the University of Zagreb. His research fields of interest are: developmental neuroscience, human brain neuroanatomy, developmental and evolutionary neurobiology of cognitive functions and language, and the history of neuroscience. Miloš Judaš has published 169 publications, which have been cited (until the end of 2018) as follows: Web of Science 2.025 times (h-index 22); Scopus 2.324 times (h-index 22); Google Scholar 3.104 times (h-index 24). He also published two books and 12 chapters in leading international handbooks and textbooks. He was invited lecturer at many international meetings and schools. With Professor Ivica Kostović, he founded the Croatian Institute for Brain Research and the Croatian Society of Neuroscience, as well as the first Doctoral (Ph.D.) Program in Neuroscience in Croatia.
    [Show full text]
  • Charlemagne and Europe
    Journal of the British Academy, 2, 125–152. DOI 10.5871/jba/002.125 Posted 3 December 2014. © The British Academy 2014 Charlemagne and Europe Raleigh Lecture on History read 12 November 2013 JINTY NELSON Fellow of the Academy Abstract: This paper, ‘Charlemagne and Europe’, is a revised and expanded form of the lecture I read on 12 November 2013. I begin by asking what Europe has meant to medieval historians in recent times, focusing on some answers given in the 1990s and around the year 2000, and reflecting on the different ways Charlemagne is being com- memorated in different parts of Europe now, 1,200 years after his death. I then re- examine Charlemagne through evidence from his own time, as a ruler of a recognisably European empire, and, in the light of recent research and new approaches, I recon- sider his record as a political figure. A brief survey of his posthumous reputation as man and myth in the middle ages, and after, leads into a closer look at the roles assigned to him in post-war rhetoric. Finally I ask whether Charlemagne has, or might have, anything to offer Europeans today. Keywords: Charlemagne, Europe, empire, commemoration, myth To be invited to give the Raleigh Lecture is, as it has been since it was endowed almost a century ago, a tremendous honour. It also presents a new challenge, for the British Academy is changing with the times, and today’s Raleigh Lecturer is now invited to connect the Academy with a broad public. The occasion has become part of the Academy’s opening-wide of its doors.
    [Show full text]
  • Andreas Maurer Melanie Plangger
    Andreas Maurer Melanie Plangger Innsbruck / Brussels / Berlin 2017 Prof. Dr. Andreas Maurer Melanie Plangger, MSc Kief Albers Luca Clavadetscher Anna Santolin Philipp Umek Commissioned by the Government of Tyrol for EUSALP – Action Group 4 ICER – Innsbruck Center for European Research Jean Monnet Chair for Political Science and European Integration University of Innsbruck Dept. of Political Science – Universitätsstrasse 15 – AT 6020 Innsbruck Homepage: www.icer.at / www.tragov.eu E‐Mail: [email protected] Layout: Philipp Umek ® ICER ISSN 2409‐5133 2 Executive Summary 1. Aim The EUSALP Strategy brings together seven countries, of which five are EU Member States (Austria, France, Ger- many, Italy and Slovenia) and two are EFTA (European Free Trade Association) countries (Liechtenstein and Swit- zerland). From a subnational perspective, EUSALP is a platform for cooperation for 48 regions. EUSALP is imple- mented by nine EUSALP Action Groups (AG), which organise their operations thematically along the four key objectives of the macro-regional strategy. The EUSALP Action Plan outlines the four objectives and the nine ac- tions of cooperation. Within Objective 2 "Mobility and Connectivity" of the EUSALP Action Plan, Action Group 4 is to promote inter- modality and interoperability in passenger and freight transport. Action Group 4 offers a platform to identify, coordinate, orchestrate and potentially harmonise the activities of Alpine regions and countries. The aim is the development of a sustainable transport and mobility system within and across the Alps. AG4’s mission is to build a common understanding of transport policy and mobility, to define common objectives and to launch specific activities and projects.
    [Show full text]
  • John J. Mccloy Papers 1897-1989 (Bulk 1940-1979) Finding Aid MA.00035
    John J. McCloy Papers 1897-1989 (bulk 1940-1979) Finding Aid MA.00035 home | help | about | search Home >> Amherst College Archives & Special Collections >> John J. McCloy Papers 1897-1989 (bulk 1940-1979) Finding Aid MA.00035 John J. McCloy (AC 1916) Papers, 1897-1989 (Bulk: 1940-1979) 59.5 Linear feet (52 records cartons, 28 flat boxes, 1 scroll box, 2 map case drawers) Collection number: MA.00035 Abstract: The John J. McCloy Papers span the years 1897-1989, with the bulk of the material falling into the period 1940-1979. The roughly 60 linear feet of material cover the breadth of McCloy's activities, from lawyer to banker to government official to negotiator to behind-the-scenes adviser. The papers include working papers, correspondence, memoranda, speeches, scrapbooks, photographs, legal documents, printed material, and memorabilia. The collection includes very little personal or family-related material. Terms of Access and Use: Restrictions on access: In general, there is no restriction on access to the John J. McCloy Papers for research use. Selected items may be restricted to protect the privacy rights of individuals or for other legal reasons. Particularly fragile items may have been replaced with copies. Material from other collections, which may be found in the McCloy Papers, cannot be duplicated. Restrictions on use: All copyrights held by John J. McCloy or his heirs were transferred to Amherst College along with the papers. It is the responsibility of the researcher to identify and satisfy the holders of other copyrights. Requests for permission to publish material from the papers should be directed to the Archivist of the College.
    [Show full text]
  • Notices of the American Mathematical
    ISSN 0002-9920 Notices of the American Mathematical Society AMERICAN MATHEMATICAL SOCIETY Graduate Studies in Mathematics Series The volumes in the GSM series are specifically designed as graduate studies texts, but are also suitable for recommended and/or supplemental course reading. With appeal to both students and professors, these texts make ideal independent study resources. The breadth and depth of the series’ coverage make it an ideal acquisition for all academic libraries that of the American Mathematical Society support mathematics programs. al January 2010 Volume 57, Number 1 Training Manual Optimal Control of Partial on Transport Differential Equations and Fluids Theory, Methods and Applications John C. Neu FROM THE GSM SERIES... Fredi Tro˝ltzsch NEW Graduate Studies Graduate Studies in Mathematics in Mathematics Volume 109 Manifolds and Differential Geometry Volume 112 ocietty American Mathematical Society Jeffrey M. Lee, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, American Mathematical Society TX Volume 107; 2009; 671 pages; Hardcover; ISBN: 978-0-8218- 4815-9; List US$89; AMS members US$71; Order code GSM/107 Differential Algebraic Topology From Stratifolds to Exotic Spheres Mapping Degree Theory Matthias Kreck, Hausdorff Research Institute for Enrique Outerelo and Jesús M. Ruiz, Mathematics, Bonn, Germany Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Spain Volume 110; 2010; approximately 215 pages; Hardcover; A co-publication of the AMS and Real Sociedad Matemática ISBN: 978-0-8218-4898-2; List US$55; AMS members US$44; Española (RSME). Order code GSM/110 Volume 108; 2009; 244 pages; Hardcover; ISBN: 978-0-8218- 4915-6; List US$62; AMS members US$50; Ricci Flow and the Sphere Theorem The Art of Order code GSM/108 Simon Brendle, Stanford University, CA Mathematics Volume 111; 2010; 176 pages; Hardcover; ISBN: 978-0-8218- page 8 Training Manual on Transport 4938-5; List US$47; AMS members US$38; and Fluids Order code GSM/111 John C.
    [Show full text]
  • Jean Monnet Actions (2021 – 2027)
    Erasmus+ Jean Monnet Actions (2021 – 2027) DISCLAIMER: This document is provided for information only. The information contained herein is subject to change and does not commit the European Commission. Erasmus+ Jean Monnet Actions 21 Jean Monnet Actions 2021 • Jean Monnet Actions in the files of Higher Education Institutions • Jean Monnet Actions in other fields of Education and Training Funding Mechanisms • Fixed Lump sums • Customized Lump sums Award Criteria • Quality aspects • Overview of last call results 2 Erasmus+ Programme 2021-2027 New programme 2021-2027 KA1 KA2 KA3 Learning Cooperation Support Mobility for Innovation for for & Good Policy Individuals practices reform Jean Monnet Actions continue as a single integrated programme Erasmus+ Jean Monnet Actions 21 Jean Monnet Actions - a worldwide Network 1989 - 2020 Around 5850 Jean Monnet actions in Over 90 countries the field of worldwide European more than 1000 studies universities offering Jean Monnet courses 4 Erasmus+ Jean Monnet Actions 21 • 2021 Definining European Union studies " European Union studies comprises the study of Europe in its entirety, with a particular emphasis on the EU dimension, from an internal but also from a global perspective " Enhancing awareness of the European Union: • European citizenship and values • Role of the EU in a globalised world • Facilitating future engagement as well as people-to-people dialogue. • Vector of public diplomacy in third countries, promoting EU values and enhancing the Brusselsvisibility of the European Union José-Lorenzo
    [Show full text]
  • German 'Soft Power': from the Fall of the Wall to the 2006
    GERMAN ‘SOFT POWER’: FROM THE FALL OF THE WALL TO THE 2006 WORLD CUP A Thesis submitted to the Faculty of the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences of Georgetown University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in Development Management and Policy By Juan Carlos Holguin, BA Washington, DC March, 2013 Copyright 2013 by Juan Carlos Holguin All Rights Reserved ii GERMAN ‘SOFT POWER’: FROM THE FALL OF THE WALL TO THE 2006 WORLD CUP Juan Carlos Holguin, BA Thesis Advisor: Eric A. Langenbacher, PhD ABSTRACT After the Second World War, and especially since the fall of the Berlin Wall, Germany has made an enormous effort to build international relations and external cooperation. To do this, it has used many strategies of soft power, attempting to distance itself from the negative stereotypes of its history. In this thesis, I will analyze the “German model of development” that has positioned the country in the new world order of the second half of the twentieth century as an economic power with a successful democratic system. This thesis will also examine the ways in which Germany influences different regions of the world, spreading its democratic, economic and cultural principles with the help of a strategic plan of cooperation that includes official and non-governmental organizations, foundations, schools, churches, and others, while developing a new tool of diplomatic relations that began in 2006: soccer. iii The research and writing of this thesis is dedicated to my wife and my son Gabriel; my parents; Eric; Victoria; and all the good friends that supported me during this process in Quito, Buenos Aires, Washington D.C., Germany and Brazil.
    [Show full text]
  • Experiences from the Integrated Nordic Labour Market
    VOCATIONAL TRAINING NO. 4 EUROPEAN JOURNAL CEDEFOP Editor: Fernanda Oliveira Reis European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training Editorial committee: Jean Monnet House Chairman: Jean François Germe Bundesallee 22 Conservatoire National des Arts et Métiers D-10717 Berlin (CNAM), France Tel.: 4930+88 41 20 Matéo Alaluf Telex: 184 163 eucen d Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Belgium Tina Bertzeletou Fax: 4930+88 41 22 22 CEDEFOP Keith Drake Manchester University, Great Britain Julio Sanchez Fierro As of 1.9.1995 the seat of Asociación de Mutuas de Trabajo, Spain Gunnar Eliasson CEDEFOP will be The Royal Institute of Technology (KTH), Sweden Paolo Garonna Thessaloniki (GR) Istituto nazionale di statistica (ISTAT), Italy Eduardo Marçal Grilo Fundação Calouste Gulbenkian, Portugal Alain d’Iribarne Laboratoire d’Economie et de Sociologie du Travail (LEST-CNRS), France Bernd Möhlmann CEDEFOP Fernanda Oliveira Reis CEDEFOP Arndt Sorge Humboldt-Universität Berlin, Germany Enrique Retuerto de la Torre CEDEFOP Reinhard Zedler Institut der deutschen Wirtschaft Köln, CEDEFOP is a Community body Deutschland established by Regulation (EEC) No 337/75 of the Council of the Eu- ropean Communities, last amen- Representative of the Management Board: ded by Council Regulation (EC) No Anne-Françoise Theunissen Confédération des Syndicats Chrétiens de 251/95 of 6 February 1995 and Belgique (CSC), Belgium Council Regulation (EC) No 354/95 of 20 February 1995. It is managed by a quadripartite Management Board on which are represented the trade
    [Show full text]
  • Remarks at Jean Monnet Rome Event
    Remarks at Jean Monnet Seminar “Communicating Europe: Observations from an American Believer” Anthony Luzzatto Gardner Visiting Fellow, College of Europe U.S. Ambassador to the European Union 2014-2017 Rome, March 23, 2017 Thank you for this invitation to speak on the topic of how Europe should communicate its purpose, especially to the younger generation. I would like to focus on how the EU institutions should communicate their contribution to improving the lives of ordinary citizens. On April 25 last year President Obama delivered an Address to the People of Europe in Hannover.1 In that speech, to which I contributed, he quoted former German Chancellor Konrad Adenauer: “European unity was a dream of a few. It became a hope for [the] many. Today it is a necessity for all of us.” He added that it’s also a necessity for the United States: “because Europe’s security and prosperity is inherently indivisible from our own… A strong, united Europe is a necessity for the world because an integrated Europe remains vital to our international order. Europe helps to uphold the norms and rules that can maintain peace and promote prosperity around the world.” He also asserted that: 1 Remarks by President Barack Obama to the People of Europe, Hannover Messe, April 25, 2016. 1 “your accomplishment -- more than 500 million people speaking 24 languages in 28 countries, 19 with a common currency, in one European Union -- remains one of the greatest political and economic achievements of modern times.” It was a terrific speech, but there was only one problem: it should have been delivered by a European politician, not by the President of the United States.
    [Show full text]