The Wire

The European heads of government have just met in Berlin to devise plans of the European Union for the next half-century. Celebrations have raged across Germany and Lee Duffield speaks to party-goers about whether they feel their identity is ‘European’ or ‘German’, also capturing the speech of German Chancellor Angela Merkel. It’s been a tumultuous first 50 years as diverse countries have struggled to reconcile their differences. The economy has not been smooth-sailing with the introduction of the Euro seen as a major change for those Europeans firmly tied to old traditions. Alex Parry spoke to European Studies Professor at Swinburne University, Dr Bruno Mascitelli, about the heavier issues darkening this week’s celebrations.