History and facts

Melina Mercouri was more than an actress or a public figure — she was a driving force behind the recognition of culture as a political priority in the EU. In this episode, we explore her groundbreaking work as Greece’s Minister for Culture, from launching the European Capitals of Culture initiative to forging cultural ties across borders during the Cold War. We also look back on her outspoken resistance against the Greek military junta, which led to her becoming a symbol of democratic values and cultural freedom — a legacy that still resonates to this day.

Alcide De Gasperi, born in 1881 in a predominantly Italian area of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, was a staunch opponent of fascism. In 1943, he founded the Christian Democracy Party and became the first Prime Minister of the Italian Republic, leading the country until 1953. Together with Konrad Adenauer and Robert Schuman, he played a key role in promoting European integration.

Konrad Adenauer, the first Chancellor of West Germany, played a pivotal role in rebuilding Germany after WWII and fostering European unity. He prioritized reconciliation with France and supported European integration through initiatives like the European Coal and Steel Community. Despite challenges like the Berlin Wall, he remained committed to European peace and unity.

International Women’s Day traces its origins back to early labour movements during the 1900s. It was and still is a day to commemorate the struggle and celebrate progress towards gender equality. The European Parliament is one of the most vocal advocates for gender equality in the EU. It has passed major resolutions and laws to protect women’s rights, promote equal opportunities and combat discrimination.

The Maastricht Treaty, officially known as the Treaty on European Union, was signed on 7 February 1992, in Maastricht, in the Netherlands, by the then-twelve Members of the European Communities. It entered into force on 1 November 1993, after being ratified by all Members.

The Maastricht Treaty formally established the European Union, transforming the European Economic Community into a more cohesive and comprehensive union. It also introduced EU citizenship.

On 11 July 1995, Bosnian Serb forces, led by General Ratko Mladić captured the town of Srebrenica in eastern Bosnia, which had been declared a UN Safe Area. In the following days, over 8 000 Muslims, mainly men and boys, were systematically murdered and buried in mass graves. Thousands of women, children and the elderly were forcibly deported. Between 20 000 and 50 000 women and girls suffered sexual violence.

The UN described the genocide at Srebrenica as the worst crime on European soil since the Second World War.

In this episode, we dive into European history to celebrate a key milestone: the 20th anniversary of the largest-ever EU enlargement. On 1 May 2004, ten countries in the heart of Europe joined the EU, adding nine new official EU working languages. It was a moment of celebration, unity and limitless opportunity.

The transatlantic slave trade represents a dark and painful chapter in human history, spanning over 400 years and affecting more than 15 million people. Despite the abolition of slavery, racist ideologies persist and continue to shape discriminatory attitudes and behaviours today. Initiatives such as the UN International Day of Remembrance of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade and the EU’s Anti-Racism and Diversity Week aim to raise awareness, promote equality and create a more inclusive society.

The Schengen Area covers the territories of twenty-seven European countries, including twenty-three EU Member States, as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. Inside this zone, it is possible to travel freely from one state to another, without being subjected to any border checks. It all begun in 1985, when five EU Member States decided to abolish internal border controls.

In 2005, on the 60th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, a United Nations resolution designated 27 January the 'International Holocaust Remembrance Day'.

Holocaust, a word of Greek origin meaning 'sacrifice by fire', is the word used to describe the persecution and subsequent mass murder of 6 million European Jews by the Nazi regime and its collaborators. Between 1933 and 1945, other groups were also targeted by the Nazi regime and its allies, among them Roma, disabled and Slavic people, as well as homosexuals, and members of religious and political groups.