The project focused on highlighting the democratic revolutions of 1989–1990, reminding European citizens of this period as one of significant struggles for pluralistic democracy and peaceful coexistence in Europe. Its main aim was to strengthen contemporary citizens’ commitment to preserving democratic institutions and values, while also fostering resilience against modern populist narratives that idealize a supposedly “better past.” At the same time, the project promoted transnational dialogue, raising awareness about the similarities among European countries and contributing to the strengthening of a shared European identity.
Within the framework of the project, five international events were implemented, bringing together citizens from different European countries to engage in dialogue about the democratic transitions of the late 1980s and 1990s. Through public discussions and exchange of perspectives, participants explored the consequences of these historical events and their relevance for today’s Europe. In addition, the project developed educational materials, including the documentary “How did 1989 change Europe?” and the manual “1989: a lesson from the past”, which were used as tools to enhance young people’s understanding of democratic revolutions.
The project brought together teachers and youth workers from 10 European countries, strengthening the connection between formal and non-formal education. The project outputs were designed to be used in both educational settings and non-formal learning environments, supporting the active engagement of young people in discussions on democracy and historical memory.
The project was coordinated by Documenta and implemented in cooperation with several European organizations and institutions, including BLOCKFREI – Verein für Kultur und Kommunikation (Austria), Aarhus Universitet (Denmark), Tartu Ülikool (Estonia), United Societies of Balkans (Greece), Hipmont – Udruženje profesora istorije Crne Gore (Montenegro), European Network Remembrance and Solidarity (Poland), and Centrul Roman pentru Inovatie in Dezvoltare Locala (Romania).