Introduction

I am part of the generation that experienced hatred, discrimination, confrontation, and war in Europe. Our principal personal experience was the most devastating war in history, mass murder and untold suffering, followed by the division of “two Europes” for half a century. The toxic cloud of nuclear confrontation overshadowed our lives for decades. For me and my generation, the most promising development that ever happened in millennial European history was the integration of Europe. We rejoiced that Europe had learned the lessons of the past and was determined not to repeat it. My generation enthusiastically welcomed European integration. For the first time in our lives, we were proud to be Europeans.