The stories and values of Europe

ongoing

The stories and values of Europe are rich when it comes to recounting the founding myths: memories both collective and multiperspectival. If the genesis of the development of Europe begins with the horrors of a warring continent, we must not forget that young Europeans understand these traumas less and less. This enables some to tell the story in their own way, in a eurosceptic and national-populist mythology. The construction of Europe also involves its incarnation: that of the Fathers of Europe and that of the Promoters of democracy. It is not a question of deifying the great European figures or fantasising about a common identity. On the contrary, we must support the imaginary, historical, cultural and linguistic diversity by working to ensure that it is better disseminated and that it opens minds instead of closing them. The Robert Schuman European Centre (CERS), an independent non-profit-making association, has developed information and training tools on the history and achievements of the European Union, the challenges and the future of Europe. Through the European and Intercultural Educational Service at the House of Robert Schuman in Scy-Chazelles (France), a European Heritage Museum, it contributes to the teaching of European values and history to nearly 5,000 young people every year. It offers teachers courses on European policies and values and education for a democratic culture (around 1,500 trainees per year). The design and dissemination of teaching materials on Europe, values and democracy are also part of its mission. The CERS facilitates the production of events by promoting the meeting and cooperation between citizens, associations, local authorities and companies at cross-border, community and international levels.