An Address to the Council of Europe

Abstract

Europe is living through an exceptional period. Part of our continent torn up from its root almost half a century ago is now aspiring to return. Back to Europe! This expression is gaining currency these days in the countries of Central and Eastern Europe. Politicians and economists are speaking of a return. The same applies to members of the cultural world, although it was easier for them to feel they still belonged to Europe: Europe was felt to be their spiritual home, a community of values and traditions. Perhaps the expression ‘back to Europe’ is too feeble to describe the process we are experiencing One should speak rather of a European renaissance, the rebirth of the Europe which virtually ceased to exist after Yalta.

This chapter is based on a speech given by Tadeusz Mazowiecki, then Primi! Minister of Poland, on the occasion of Poland’s accession to the Council of Europe in Strasbourg, 30 January 1990. Source: Text issued by Polish Government.