Eastbook

Whether called European Union, United States of Europe, Superstate Europe or simply a continent having hosted some of the oldest civilisations in the world, Europe in itself represents, just like the below mentioned stories, people who try to see no borders. Just horizons.

“Europe will not be made all at once, or according to a single plan.
It will be built through concrete achievements which first create a de facto solidarity.”

You’ve probably heard this phrase? It was said by French foreign minister Robert Schuman on 9 May 1950. Occasion was the creation of European Coal and Steel Community, which would lately become the European Union.

“I believe that Europe is on the move again,” says President of European Commission, José Manuel Barroso 60 years later. This quote confirms once again that the full potential of Europe is still to be revealed. But how? Through numerous position papers stating the progress in the rule of law and the justice system? Or through news alerts from all the possible info centres reporting about the successful trips of European officials? Or maybe through simple people who bring Europe to life?

A bit of fresh air

A ship is always safe at the shore, but that is not what it is built for. Namely this idea flashed across Sebastien’s mind as he understood that shipping clerk is not his dream job.  Due to the European Voluntary Service (EVS), the young man from Normandy set his priorities – to become a volunteer and to get a bit of fresh air. Where? In Europe, of course.

Sebastien Fardet (27) chose to spend a year in Belgrade, Serbia, a small landlocked country located at the crossroads of Central and South-Eastern Europe.

“I knew Serbia was facing many political and economical problems. But in terms of personal connections I think it is one of the most social countries in Europe. The people are really welcoming and want to show the good aspect of Serbia, they are respectful to the others and especially to French people and history. I can’t really tell what I felt when somebody told me they will never forget what France did for them.”

What Seb (his short name is very consonant with ‘Serb’) appreciates the most is that in spite of heavy vehicle traffic, cold winters and high level of poverty the Serbs are happier then the French.

Located in the middle of Balkan area, his host country allowed him to travel around:

“Albania, Slovenia, Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and their capitals are no longer what I’ve studied at the geography lessons.  It’s where I’ve been to. In this way from ‘Ne razumem’ (Serbian: I don’t understand) of the Balkan spirit I’ve passed to a firm ‘Volim te’ (Serbian: I love you).”

In August Sebastien moved to Istambul, a big, tiring, not the most safe, but beautiful city. Here he started teaching English language at the secondary school Doğa Koleji. The velvet revolution with more than hundred protest actions did not frighten him.  On the contrary, Sebastien affirms he is just at the start of a new European experience:

“I feel Europe as something existing beyond the terms, sophisticated expressions and abbreviations. One has to live it. In Turkey I feel myself European through getting acquainted with new culture and lifestyle. In two years I got used to adapt myself and to take the good out of all the projects.”

The dimension of “Europeanness”

Mariana Oprea (27) from Lozova, Republic of Moldova agrees that the European Union (EU) is in Europe. But after the M.A. in European studies she also sees quite many contradictions between the terms, for example, the geographical-historical argument. Which countries have the geographical right to be considered Europe? Further on, she points on another controversial expression -„European identity”, which belongs to the sociocultural dimension. What does it really mean to be ‚European’?

”I would say that today there is the tendency to use the two terms (EU & Europe) interchangeably, especially in the neighbouring countries, hoping for a future accession. Nevertheless, there are obvious differences especially at the socio-political level that should be kept in mind while talking about Europe and the EU.”

After three years spent in Flensburg Mariana sees herself as a European with further specifications:

”During my educational exchange in the USA a few years ago, everyone was referring to me as the ”girl from Europe”. Now, living in Germany, I usually say that I am from Moldova, South-Eastern Europe. So, first of all, I mention my geographical origin. Afterwards, I guess it comes the cultural dimension of my ’Europeanness’ – my native language (Romanian) belongs to the family of European languages and I share common values and similar way of thinking with many other Europeans.”

Being far away from home, Mariana does not forget about Moldova, especially now, when Eastern Partnership Summit in Vilnius starts bringing its first results.

”I follow the news regarding Moldova and I’ve heard that today it is a leader of the EaP in terms of dialogue and negotiations with the EU. What makes me really feel glad is the offer of new possibilities for students and academic staff from the EaP member states, such as the Erasmus+ Programme. I have always believed in the power of education and I see the youth as the driving force towards innovation and development.”

Besides Moldovan fruits, vegetables and wine Mariana also misses hospitality, sociability and the importance of family values:

“In the race for professional achievements and making money I have the impression that spiritualism and optimism are losing grounds in many West European societies. But instead the dreams are bigger here and it is easier to fulfil them.”

Europe is still to come

Silenzio, the worshippers of Old Europe! Maybe not everything is that serene with it? Let me introduce Mauro Brusa (31), an Italian living and working in Wroclaw, Poland.

After the studies in the History of Art at the University of Milan, Mauro thought of a promising career in this field. He even wrote a book “Analytical study of a medieval church with ancient frescoes”. Alas, it is not published yet.

“The publication is blocked because of financial problems. Moreover, we all know the culture is not the first thing money is invested in… The Stability Law (Legge di stabilità) adopted by Italian government allows a balanced budget, but at the same time presupposes certains cuts, or as the minister for cooperation, Andrea Riccardi says ‘reorganisation’. I am waiting for this publication since 2009, you know, I am patient.”

So, having no permanent job at home and feeling undervalued, Mauro left for Wroclaw. It was the contract with clearly defined duties, expectations and base pay which attracted the Italian.

“I work as Customer Service Agent for a multinational company and I may say that today I feel more stability in Poland then in Italy. Otherwise, I have never thought to spend a part of my life here.”

Meanwhile, Mauro faces another, let’s say spiritual problem – communication.“My modest level of Polish does not allow me to lead or maintain a conversation. Besides I expected the reach of English would be higher,“ owns the Italian. Even when there is no problem with interlocutors, there are some hard topics Mauro tries to avoid:

”When I talk with someone about the politics, the discussion in either event comes to Silvio Berlusconi and ‘bunga bunga’ parties. I find people should have more intercultural experiences which would open the minds and defy the stereotypes about any country.”

Being Italian at first and only then European, Mauro associates EU with its’ main institutions located in Brussels, Strasbourg and Luxembourg. The concept of Europe, however, he qualifies as being ‘under construction’:

“Europe is still to come… or maybe it will never arrive. All those ideological manipulations carried out by politicians, church servants or any other force make it difficult even for two countries to come to an agreement. How can we talk about dozens of them?”

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In fact no pathetic speeches and ardent statements à la “united in diversity” or “our differences are our strength” can replace the personal, and in this way also truthful, opinions of young people coming from the continent called Europe. Namely they represent Europe with its’ own choices, problems, fears and aspirations.