How does the culture of remembrance influence political debate, and how can we return to genuine understanding?
Participation for EU officials and ministerial officials from the Permanent Representations of the EU Member States and other invited guests
How does the culture of remembrance influence political debates and how can we return to genuine understanding?
This is the central question of the event organised by the Bavarian State Agency for Political Education (BLZ) and the Goethe-Institut Brussels, with the kind support of the Representation of the Free State of Bavaria to the European Union. The occasion and starting point is Grete Weil's novel Der Weg zur Grenze (The Way to the Border), written in exile in Amsterdam in 1944 but not published until 2022.
Following a moderated reading with its discoverer and editor, cultural scientist Ingvild Richardsen, we will discuss with Rupert Grübl, director of the BLZ, and historian Clemens Tangerding the state of German remembrance culture and what can be done to counter the much-cited social divide. There will also be a preview of Tangerding's Rückkehr nach Rottendorf (Return to Rottendorf).
Der Weg zur Grenze is Grete Weil's great novel about everyday life and resistance during the Nazi era. From her hiding place in Amsterdam, she wrote this moving book in 1944 about her escape from Germany in 1936 and a great love that ends fatally. An important work of German literature, made available posthumously for the first time, impressive and moving, intelligent and clear-sighted. (C.H. Beck)
In Rückkehr nach Rottendorf, Clemens Tangerding leads us away from polarisation and back to a place where the ability to come together, even under difficult conditions, is astonishingly alive. (C.H. Beck)
Programme
| 6:00 p.m |
Doors open |
| 6:30 p.m |
Welcome address
Dr Armin Hartmuth, Head of the Representation of the Free State of Bavaria to the European Union
Rupert Grübl, Head of the BLZ
Dr Julia Sattler, Director of the Goethe-Institut Brussels |
| 6:45 p.m |
Reading and discussion with Dr Ingvild Richardsen on ‘Der Weg zur Grenze’ (The Way to the Border) |
| 7:15 p.m. |
Discussion with Rupert Grübl and Dr Clemens Tangerding |
| 7:45 p.m |
Questions from the audience |
| 8:00 p.m. |
Reception |
If you are interested, please register by 16 February 2026.
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