Imagine having to start all over again. What choices would you make while rebuilding a democratic society? What is worth preserving, and what must never be allowed to happen again?
1945 marked not only the end of a horrific chapter in European history but also the beginning of reconstruction — a time to design a new future. Even during the war, agreements were already being made: new borders, new alliances, and the vision of a united Europe.
(RE)CONSTRUCT brings to life the oral histories of post-war Europe in all their diversity, highlighting different perspectives and experiences. This project zooms in on this crucial period when the foundations of a new society and cross-border cooperation were laid. By remembering why and how these choices were made, we raise awareness of the core European values that emerged — equality, democracy, freedom, the rule of law, and human rights — values that remain at the heart of Europe today.
(RE)CONSTRUCT is part of the Iron Curtain Project, a multimedia initiative exploring the state of Europe in light of its divided past. In this project, we also address Europe’s contrasting post-war trajectories: in the West, rebuilding meant a transition to democracy after occupation; in the East, it marked the rise of new totalitarian regimes. By reflecting on these differences, we ask: What happens when power falls into the wrong hands? And what shared solutions can we find when rebuilding society?
Today, Europe’s democratic system faces new pressures from polarization, radical movements, and populists challenging the fundamental values of diversity, democracy, and freedom. It is as if we have started to forget the lessons of the past.
With a special focus on young people (aged 15–30), (RE)CONSTRUCT invites participants to engage through two powerful formats:
- A traveling journalistic-theatrical performance that brings history to life on stage.
- Interactive workshops where participants step into different roles and perspectives to (re)imagine and (re)build society together.
(RE)CONSTRUCT challenges us to reflect, remember, and rethink — to ensure that the foundations of democracy remain strong for generations to come.
Technical Details
| Project Title: | (RE)CONSTRUCTION |
| Timeline: | 1 May 2025 – 30 April 2027 (24 months) |
| Granting Authority: | European Education and Culture Executive Agency (CERV-2024-CITIZENS-REM) |
| Project Location: | Netherlands, Poland, Romania and Italy |
| Beneficiaries | Youth (15-30) |
| Coordinator: | STICHTING AUTRES DIRECTIONS (AD) (Netherlands) |
| Partners: | FUNDACJA KRZYZOWA DLA POROZUMIENIA EUROPEJSKIEGO (Poland) ASOCIATIA POLYLOGOS (Romania) ASSOCIAZIONE CLIO ’92 (Italy) |
| E-mail: | contact@polylogos.eu |