For a long time, European countries repressed or even legitimised their own colonial history instead of dealing publicly with its consequences. In the meantime, however, looted art, monuments and street names are just as much the subject of public debate as euphemistic narratives of the colonial past. As a result, truth commissions have been set up to deal with colonial violence. Germany officially apologised in 2021 for its role in the murder of thousands of Herero and Nama, Belgium asked for an apology for its role in the assassination of Patrice Lumumba, Italy for colonial abuses in Libya - to name a few examples. Possibilities of rehabilitation, compensation and restitution are being discussed politically. So far, however, disputes about who should be liable, for how long and for what share of history, have mainly taken place within the framework of national politics. A European exchange should serve to discuss Europe's historical responsibility for colonial violence and its continuing consequences at the EU level.
Crisis Talks of the Leibniz Research Network “Crises of a Globalized World”
In the European Union, crises have always been an important driver for change and progress. In crisis situations, the European Union, which is characterised by a high degree of heterogeneity and is oriented towards shaping opinions, has so far usually been able to create common perceptions of a situation, overcome blockages and facilitate integration. As part of the series of Crisis Talks, the Leibniz Research Alliance “Crises in a Globalised World” addresses how Europe should deal with current and past crises.
When: 14 November 2023, Light lunch from 12:30h, Event from 13:00h - 14:00h
Where: Representation of the State of Hesse, At the European Union 21, Rue Montoyer, 1000 Brussels
The event will be simultaneously interpreted (English/German), and will take place both analogue and digitally.
You can follow the event on the YouTube channel Hessen in Berlin und Europa.
You are welcome to ask your questions via streamline@lv-bruessel.hessen.de. Please register on the website of the Representation of the State of Hesse for the event.
Program
Welcome
- Lucia Puttrich, Minister for Federal and European Affairs of the State of Hessen
- Stefan Kroll, PRIF - Leibniz Institute for Peace and Conflict Research
Keynote
- Sabine Mannitz, PRIF - Leibniz Institute for Peace and Conflict Research / Research Centre "Transformations of Political Violence" (TraCe)
Panel discussion
- Dr. Sabine Mannitz, PRIF - Leibniz Institute for Peace and Conflict Research / Research Centre "Transformations of Political Violence" (TraCe)
- Salima Yenbou, Member of the European Parliament
- Laura Gaëlle Ganza, Socio-cultural worker / Independent consultant
Moderation: Alexander Göbel, Agence France-Presse
Afterwards, we invite you to join us for coffee and cake.