Most of EU-member states have gone through a process from totalitarianism to a liberal democracy, membership of the Council of Europe and later membership of the European Union. These processes vary in time, length, continuity, and some countries have even endured more than one totalitarian occupation or regime.
The FREI - From Resistance to European Integration project, funded by the CERV- Citizens Equality Rights and Values programme of the European Union, explores diverse national paths to democracy and European Union membership, as well as the struggles for democracy and human rights, focusing on five EU member states — Italy, Austria, Greece, Portugal, and Romania.
These countries represent key examples of Europe’s challenges and achievements in establishing democratic governance and advancing a robust human rights system.
Through discussions, events, and international meetings held locally and international in Austria, Italy, Portugal, Greece, and Romania, the project examines democratic transitions, the development of human rights protections, and the process of European integration.
Participants of the project and its events will engage with experts, eyewitnesses, representatives of vulnerable groups, and young people from across Europe to gain insights into the complexity and heterogeneity of European history, shaped by a shared commitment to democracy and human rights.
The project will conclude with a final international meeting in Strasbourg, focusing on the current democratic system of the European Union and the mechanisms in place for the protection of human rights.
Project Period is: 01/04/2025 - 31/03/2027
Countries involved are: Austria, Romania, Italy, Portugal and Greece
Lead Partner: Foster Europe
Project partners are:
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Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or European Commission. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
Im Rahmen des FREI-Projekts sprach Historiker Dr. Herbert Brettl im Anschluss an den Workshop „Vergangenheit bewältigen?" mit Schüler:innen des Gymnasiums Neusiedl am See in der AK Wien im Interview über Geschichtsvermittlung ohne Zeitzeug:innen, die Rolle regionaler Bezüge und den Zugang junger Menschen mit eigener Flucht- oder Vertreibungserfahrung zum österreichischen Narrativ.