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1989

In 1989, the Iron Curtain fell. The collapse of the Soviet Union paved the way for political, economic and social changes in a Europe that could finally grow together. In this kaleidoscope we collect memories and legacies of regime changes in different parts of Europe.

The buildings remain the same as in communist times, but life around them changes – for the better, as many young Romanians are sure. (Photo: Private)

From Bern to Bucharest: “After all, we are Both Europeans”

Part 2 of the journey: 1474 kilometres or a 30-hour train ride – that’s what it takes to travel from Bern to Bucharest. During a university project, Salome, a young journalist and storyteller from Switzerland, spends two... (more)

One Telegram, Six Words, Thirty-five Letters

Neasa from Ireland tells us the story of a telegram: A piece of paper that enabled her family to be reunited and without which she wouldn't be alive.

Where Were You When… The Transition of 1989 Took Place in Europe?

Where were you when the transition took place in Europe in 1989? Trixi from Germany spoke to four EUSTORY organisers who share their personal stories of how they experienced the transition.

Our Personal “Wind of Change”

Phillip (Germany), Miguel (Spain), Julia (Switzerland) asked participants of the EUSTORY Summit 2019 about the very personal meaning of "change".

What If… You Woke up 30 Years Ago in a Communist Regime?

What if... you woke up 30 years ago in a communist regime? How would you react?

More Freedom of Choice or a Vacuum of Values?

25 years after the collapse of the Soviet Union, Anna from Moscow finds herself caught in the middle of a heated debate in her family: the life during the Soviet Union - lack of personal freedom or a system of security a... (more)

If You Could Bring Back One Item from the Times of Czechoslovak Socialist Republic (CSSR) What Would It Be and Why?

However unpleasant the circumstances, there will always be people who would be proponents of the past, whatever the regime or the political system at that time. This seems to be the case especially in post-communist coun... (more)

1989 – (R)Evolution, its Parents and its Children

Milan, originally from Serbia, reflects different perspectives on his year of birth 1989 and the following process of a unifying, but also a dividing Europe. While what we called East and West was coming together, the Ba... (more)

Why we Should Actually Return to 1989

On the occasion of the 24th birthday of Slovenia, Tamara looks back at the evolution of her country - and reflects on past situations.

1989 Turning Point in Berlin: Brandenburger Tor

History is Personal! Interview With Children of the Revolution on the Importance of 1989

  1989 marked a change of epoch in Europe. Twenty-five years ago, the peaceful revolutions in Eastern Germany and Europe saw the fall of totalitarian regimes and borders. Like in a relay, the movements for freedom and in... (more)

„No Freedom Without Solidarity“ – Impressions of a German Student From a Multinational Celebration Ceremony in Poland

On June 4th, 2014, the Presidents of Germany, Poland, the Slovak Republic, the Czech Republic and Hungary commemorated the start of the Peaceful Revolutions in Eastern Europe twenty-five years ago. Twenty-five university... (more)

1989 as writing on a wall
Legacies of 1989