Narrating Europe: Stories of Identity and Belonging

This content was created during a workshop at the EUSTORY Next Generation Summit 2023 "Dialogues to Remember" from 28 September to 02 October 2023 in Prague. The Summit brought together more than 100 participants from 23 countries in Europe and beyond to work together with experts from the fields of academia, journalism, education and arts to get into dialogue on questions related to history and identity as well as current social and political issues.

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In this Summit-workshop, 14 participants from 13 countries created a space for exchange, discussion and sharing. The participants dealt with questions of identity, delved into the construction of national narratives linked to certain historical events, and finally discussed what European identity means – and whether it exists at all.

DOES A EUROPEAN IDENTITY EXIST?

What characterizes my identity? Does a city like Prague have an identity as well? By putting themselves in the shoes of book authors, the participants emphasized different identities of the city: Prague as a city of multiculturalism and diversity, Prague as a city of art and freedom, Prague – socialist past vs. contemporary vision, Prague as a city of the future and modern perspectives. For these “identities of Prague”, the participants created book cover illustrating the Czech capital’s identity.

Prague – City of Multiculturality and Diversity

Diversity in Prague is everywhere. You can see it in people, buildings and on the streets. While walking on the streets of Prague you can see how old buildings have gotten new live into them by different people. And even though Prague is one of the least religious cities in Europe, they have many religions living side by side. This book will give you an overview of the different cultures and Prague’s diversity. Learn about beautiful places everyone can visit and some city views that everyone can enjoy.

Prague – City of Art and Freedom

Walking through Prague, you will find that you are surrounded by art: Wherever you go, you see magnificent buildings and places. One could call Prague an open-air gallery: from the most fantastic art of Josef Lada to the modern graffiti of Czech rebels. Important disclaimer: always share your art, don’t be like some ladies from the Charles Bridge – art should be shared! We encourage everyone to take the time and explore the city. Make sure to pay attention to every little detail of everything you see around you! P.S: Be ready to hear ‘No photos here!’

From identity to national narratives: How is the same historical event perceived in different countries? What are the similarities and differences Second World War-narratives in Germany and Ukraine? Did the feminist movement at the beginning of the 20th century have the same impact in Wales and Czechoslovakia? Discussing concrete examples led to many eye-opening moments and enabled us to see historical events through a multiperspective lense.

How to better summarise all the discussed topics and learnings than by creating a museum of European History out of it? Scroll down to check out the museum concepts!

Museums of European History

A Digital Museum

An app accessible to everyone with only digital objects. Why? Material heritage should stay with its owners, not be stolen, and stories should be told not from a colonial perspective, but from the perspective of a progressive European society that is ready to deal with even the most difficult parts of its history. Too utopian? Perhaps. Still realistic? Of course, because with the new generation of progressive young people who ask critical questions, it is possible to build not only the European Museum, but the true European community.

A Flying Museum

How to make an exhibition accessible for everyone in as many parts of Europe? By bringing the museum to the people! Our museum of European History would be a zeppelin flying around Europe to present an exhibition with personal stories of people who identify themselves as Europeans.