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A global local newspaper in cooperation with OCTOBER 2017 The Berlin Wall stood for 10,315 days. It’s been almost 10,315 days since it collapsed. Berlin has finally caught up to history – and is now defining the future. SHUTTERSTOCK, MONTAGE: BT 2 2017 2017 3 t’s a popular misconception that Euro- The EU must be a community of solidar- pean integration was originally an ity; this applies, for example, to the support economic project that only developed for southern EU members in migration IMAGO/PHOTOTHEK into a political union as a result of the policy, including the fair distribution of ref- Imachinations of shrewd Eurocrats. In fact, ugees. One of Europe’s foremost values is IMAGO/STPP, MONTAGE: BT MONTAGE: IMAGO/STPP, the opposite is true. From the outset, the the willingness to engage in dialogue, which EU was a political project and, particularly is why we Germans should be open to the No new walls! in the eyes of its founding fathers, a com- proposals made by the reform-oriented munity of values, that is, a union based on French president, Emmanuel Macron, with the values of human dignity, democracy, regard to the remodeling of the Eurozone. The reflexes of the Cold War will not help us the rule of law, freedom, tolerance and We should enter into a serious exchange the principles of dialogue, solidarity and with the goal of reaching an agreement. EURO VISION GROWN ON CONCRETE By Sigmar Gabriel subsidiarity. One element of such a reform is the The citizens’ movement Pulse of Europe Large murals created by street artists Today, this community of values is being transformation of the European Stabil- speaks up and signals its opposition to inhabit the empty lots and exposed challenged by a discourse that focuses on ity Mechanism (ESM) into a European populists and nationalists. In Berlin, they façades left behind by WWII. national self-centeredness and a process of Monetary Fund (EWF). Solidarity should, meet once a month at Gendarmenmarkt. Johanna Trapp reveals some of the stories walling-off. This approach is championed however, be closely linked with the values Peter H. Koepf spoke with activists. behind the walls. /page 16 /page 6 or us Germans, the year 1989 is and on. And now of all times, we are sud- by both right and left-wing populists. They of fiscal stability and subsidiarity: Euro- inextricably linked with images denly no longer able to rely on some of see the EU as having failed and often propa- bonds and other instruments that override of singing and laughing people our partners. Who would have thought gate a return to the nation-state, thereby market mechanisms are misguided incen- climbing on to the Berlin Wall, that Turkey, with which we have so eagerly invoking doomsday scenarios. tives that would result in renewed crises Fcelebrating the fall of the Wall and the many ties, would become one of our most Often these forces look with admiration and thus repeatedly to a weakening of the end of the Cold War. We see people who complicated partners 12 years after the to the authoritarian path tread by Vladimir community of solidarity. We also need have overcome fear. These images show start of EU accession talks? Putin’s Russia – one that recalls the logic of more dialogue in the EU between East and an unshakeable optimism and courage, These are merely some aspects of a those 19th century powers for whom the West. This includes more respect for unique SHUTTERSTOCK IMAGO/SEELIGER which inspired people across the globe. highly alarming image of a world in right of smaller states to self-determination national characteristics and sensitivities. EDITORIAL I felt the same way myself. disorder. And how do we react to this? was of no consequence. However, we must draw a clear line where Most people – even most Berliners – are un- At that time which moved the world, We use the reflexes of the Cold War. We all know where the logic of 19th the separation of powers and the freedom aware of a unique and fast approaching Wall anniversary. Not the “Day of German Unity” I have to admit that I had an even more We react with fear and timidity rather century nationalism ultimately led us. The of the press – two cornerstones of democ- on October 3rd, 2017, which marks the 27th wonderful experience – the birth of my than with courage, commitment and horrific carnage of that era stands in stark racy – come under attack. anniversary of the country’s official reunifica- oldest daughter. She was born at the very confidence. contrast to the 70 years of peace enjoyed At the same time, the EU must always set tion. Nope, the one after that. On August 13, moment when the people on the other We are at the threshold of a new arms by the countries that, over time, joined the a course for the future: on the one hand, by 1961, the GDR began erecting the Wall, and side of the Iron Curtain were finally able race. In China, India, Latin America, the European integration project, today’s Euro- adapting the labor market to digitization on November 9th, 1989 – that most wonder- to dream again of a time of peace. When United States, Russia, Europe, Africa – pean Union. Outside of this zone of peace, and on the other by fostering a more active SQUARE ONE ful night exactly 10,315 days later – the Wall COMING BACK Saskia was born, I thought that she might everywhere you look, people are only Berlin’s storied Alexanderplatz in the came tumbling down. And now, believe it or It all started with a tweet: “Chocolate grow up in the most peaceful world there talking about armament. But one thing middle of Berlin has seen better days. The not, the time is coming when the Wall will have pudding, 19 cents. See you in Berlin!” had ever been. is certain – our world will not become been down as long as it was up. city wants to make the large square more Now a steadily growing number of Israelis My youngest daughter was born 29 safer if all countries arm themselves Is it really possible? Yes, it is. The Berlin Times attractive. Tong-Jin Smith reports about are moving to the city. Some are even years later. I felt just as joyful about her to the teeth. That is the geostrategical A word on Europe the latest plans. /page 8 did the calculations and determined that on opening up great new restaurants. Franziska birth as I did with my first child. But over thinking of the 20th century – a strategy February 5th, 2018, Berlin will have lived free Knupper checked out the dishes and the of the Wall for as many days as it was forced people preparing them. /page 18 the past 29 years, the world has gone in a based on fear. The EU should be proud of its values to bear it. very different direction than we expected Naturally, we need to pay attention to Berliners are fond of commenting on how time back then. In 2017, we see that we have our defenses. But if we turn our world flies, and these days, “all of Berlin is in a blur.” managed to preserve peace in Europe, to into a powder keg, we should not be By Hans-Gert Pöttering Is there anything that hasn’t happened in this work together and to communicate with surprised if it only takes a spark for it new, free and united city? Where darkness each other for an entire generation. But to explode. there was war in Europe, for example, in common European foreign and security once reigned, today there is light. Where the the past years have shown that unfor - Isolation is the second type of reaction the Balkans in the 1990s and today’s war- policy that can shape international policy Wall once stood, today people literally dance REINHARD KAUFHOLD IMAGO/RÜDIGER WÖLK IMAGO/RÜDIGER tunately we are not living in the most to the new complexity. International like situation in Eastern Ukraine. and global standards based on European and sing. Once poor and completely drained peaceful world ever, but rather in what agreements are being revoked, inter- And yet, today, calling attention to the values. of industry, Berlin has now emerged as a cre- ative hub for young people aiming to try new is perhaps a more complex world than at national organizations bypassed, walls EU’s extraordinary record of peace is no First, we need a proactive trade policy. things, launch startups, forge their own paths any other time. Moreover, the optimism rebuilt and anything foreign vilified. longer sufficient. Indeed, in order to secure The future of the transatlantic free-trade and develop ideas that improve our world. of reunification has vanished, although Threats and insults are prevalent, and a promising future, the EU must sway its agreement is uncertain, which means the EU In this issue, we invite you to read about peo- we need this spirit more than ever today. those who think differently are bullied citizens by providing solutions to current should work even harder on treaties with ple demonstrating in favor of something – in I have been other countries this case, Europe – as well as a young man German for- that share our who collects money just to pass it on to oth- HUMANE CAPITAL BORN IN THE GDR eign minister values, such as ers. We visit new restaurants where patrons for just over Sigmar Gabriel is Vice Chancellor Hans-Gert Pöttering has been Chair- Canada, Japan, Even entrepreneurs and conservative André Kubiczek writes novels about the and Foreign Minister of Germany.