Where Europe ends

Brussels, the heart of Europe, is an often used slogan in the 'Europe, DC'.  But where is the heart of Europe? Could it be in Lithuania? The Economist reports on a new film, partly produced with EU funding, that asks where Europe ends. It "shows the effect of the European Union’s expansion in dividing Europe", The Economist says.

Romanian scholar and activist Alina Mungiu Pippidi has created with “Where Europe Ends” a  new film that provokes many questions. As Professor of Democracy Studies at Hertie School of Governance in Berlin and journalist, she is in a good position to spark the debate and 'kick us all a conscience'.

The Economist says it should be compulsory viewing for anyone who works in a consulate or visa office dealing with people from what one might call “left-behind” Europe.

Maybe we  should go a step further and make it part of the curriculum of all last year secondary school students in the EU. Are they to be the citizens of Europe who must move the Union 'to the next level'? Then they should be aware of the unbalance in wealth and possibilities in 'our Europe' and think about the price to be paid by one and all. How can we create a proper antidote for physical decay and human dislocation, without becoming paternalistic or installing 'neo communism'? It will remain a difficult exercise. But at least the question should be asked. The film 'Where Europe Ends' could be a beginning of the debate. To be aware of a question is the first step to possibly answer it.