Local Europeanisation
Europe in Gdansk, Gdansk in Europe
Deutsche Fassung
Abstract
Since 1989, Gdansk has taken many steps towards Europe. In addition to historical factors, this local Europeanisation has taken place by twinning arrangements and participation in communal networks. Europe is important for the city’s image and marketing efforts. Europe is to be integrated in the minds of Gdansk’s citizens, and Gdansk in the conscious of Europe’s. Gdansk has applied to be European Cultural Capital for 2016. Economic intertwining and financial subsidies are part of European integration. On many levels, Gdansk constitutes an integral part of Europe. Sometimes, however, Europe also serves to demonstrate cultural and intellectual distance.
(Osteuropa 5-6/2011, pp. 295–310)