Commemoration, memory making and identity in the 21st century, CLEO, Erasmus + project
Recent transformations in European commemorative practices have challenged the concept of a united European identity. Historiography now uses the term „post-heroic“ to describe this shift in memory-making and commemoration. Instead of heroic deeds, the focus has shifted to recognizing victims of conflicts and wars, symbolizing a transition from heroization to victimization.
This shift has significant consequences, as an identity rooted in a narrative of victimhood impedes the ideal of a European identity. The victimhood narrative can be exclusive and lead to a „concurrence of victimhood.“ We’ve seen this narrative emerging across Europe, creating a counter-narrative that challenges Europe’s symbolic unity.
Our goal is to understand these transformations in memory-making and commemorative practices in Europe and develop a shared European narrative that transcends victimhood.
We organized Summer University „OUR EUROPEAN HEROES“ (10-16 September 2023), hosted by the Faculty of Philosophy, University of Belgrade, in collaboration with our European partners.
This Summer University brought together 30 students from 6 different countries for discussions, lectures, workshops, and activities aimed at comprehending these changes and strengthening the idea of a European identity.
Join us in exploring, discussing, and gaining a deeper understanding of these transformations.
For more information about the project and its results, visit our website https://www.cleo-erasmus.com/
and follow us on Instagram @cleo_belgrade2023.
Together, we can shape a new narrative for Europe!
