A Soul for Europe - 17-11-2006
Berlin Conference 2006
The second Conference brought together about 500 participants; members and officials of the European Commission, the European Parliament, the Council of Europe and several national parliaments, together with representatives of civil, business and artistic society, including a wide range of young participants from countries that are not yet members of the European Union. The EU Ministers for Culture were represented by Minister Isabel Pires de Lima (Portugal) and State Minister Bernd Neumann (Germany).
The 2006 Berlin Conference recognised the potential of culture as an indispensable force in the process of European integration. It gave added impetus to the purpose of reshaping Europe in a way that engages not only the political and economic but also the creative aspirations of its citizens.
Wim Wenders
In a passionate speech, the film director Wim Wenders called on the political establishment to rejuvenate enthusiasm for a Europe that celebrates civilisation, promotes humanism and enables its people to realise their dreams.
The President of the European Commission, Jose Manuel Barroso, said, ‘Culture is the keystone of the sense of belonging that Europe needs. By facilitating dialogue, culture opens the way to development in an increasingly multicultural and multilingual society.’ He continued, ‘Europe, which ‘invented’ tolerance for individuals, for their opinions, for their beliefs and for their differences, must make its own special voice heard.’
The philanthropist George Soros argued that the European Union ‘can set an example for the world in international co-operation both within its own borders and beyond. All that is needed now is for the people of Europe to be inspired by the idea of the European Union as the prototype of a global open society.’
The final session on 19 November was open to a wider public and devoted to exploring the Jewish and Islamic dimension of creating an open Europe. Nilüfer Göle, professor of Sociology in Paris, was a key note speaker.
Thanks to The People Network, 38 young decision makers from all over Europe were selected and invited to participate in the international Berlin Conference.
Downloads:
- Summary report by Simon Mundy
- Speech by George Soros
- Speech by José Manuel Barroso
- Speech by Wim Wenders
- Speech by Richard von Weizsäcker
- Speech by Vladimir Špidla
- Speech by Volker Hassemer
- Speech by Benita Ferrero-Waldner
For more information: http://www.berlinerkonferenz.eu/
