The EU memory strategies involve creating a narrative that would reflect a common European identity and developing a sustainable mnemonical consensus between EU states, regions and communities. European policies have addressed these tasks using soft power and programmes such as Europe for Citizens. Yet, the remembrance of European history remains a contested area and the challenges are not well understood outside Europe.

The project will examine global understanding of EU’s approaches to historical memory and will investigate the impact of EU memory politics beyond the EU. It will also address a normative question of how to deal with contested memories and how to develop inclusive approaches to memory.

Experiences of third countries are valuable in providing a critical perspective on memory recognition in plural communities. With its many European diasporas, colonial past and ongoing reconciliation process, Australia provides a perfect context in which Europe’s efforts in reconciling conflicting memories could be critically examined. Australia’s reconciliation politics and growing awareness of the importance of collective remembrance in the public debate warrant a well-grounded comparative study.

Contact: Dr Katarzyna Williams:  kasia.williams@anu.edu.au