The new ‘European Route 66’
VIA DEMOCRATIA EUROPA
- European Route of Democracy -
At a time of increased global rivalry between the major powers and growing autocratic structures, a united and democratic Europe is facing particular challenges. The 10 founding members of the non-profit organisation Via Democratia Europa e.V. have therefore set themselves the goal of making the idea of a democratic Europe tangible and keeping it alive along the borders of the five founding states of the European Union - France, Germany, Luxembourg, the Netherlands and Belgium - by means of the ‘Via DEMOCRATIA EUROPA - European Route of Democracy’.
To kick off this initiative by committed Europeans, a travel route guide financed by sponsors was published - in German and French in March 2023 and in English in November 2024 - connecting the European cities of Strasbourg, Saarbrücken, Metz, Luxembourg, Trier, Aachen, Maastricht and Brussels along the barely visible national borders. The axis between the European cities of Strasbourg (parliament), Luxembourg (jurisdiction) and Brussels (Commission as executive) is a strong symbol of the separation of powers in democratic Europe. A deeper understanding of European history and the mentalities of its inhabitants should facilitate further cross-border activities of the association along the European Route, such as the affixing of a Route plaque at prominent locations along the European Route, interregional campaigns and measures to publicise the European Route worldwide. The aim of the association is to familiarise citizens with Europe, its advantages and its democratic values and to work together to strengthen our continent in the global competition between systems.
Route "VIA DEMOCRATIA EUROPA"
The ‘VIA DEMOCRATIA EUROPA-European Route of Democracy’ connects cities and events that are closely linked to the founding and development of the European Union as we know it today. The ‘European Route of Democracy’ is approximately 850 kilometres long and leads through beautiful places and landscapes along the barely visible national borders between France, Germany, Luxembourg, the Netherlands and Belgium. On this route, the European idea becomes tangible and ‘experienceable’. Be part of it!
Travel route guide "VIA DEMOCRATIA EUROPA"
The association has published a cultural travel guide in German, French and English entitled ‘VIA DEMOCRATIA EUROPA’ - Discovering what unites us. It consists of two parts: a cultural section with texts by various authors on the ‘VIA DEMOCRATIA EUROPA’ and EUROPA, a presentation of the regions, cross-border political institutions along the route and the history of the European Union, and an itinerary section with information on the sights of the 8 cities and stopovers, nearby World Heritage Sites, as well as many pictures and a humorous contribution on the culinary delights along the route.
French edition: ISBN 978-3-86712-180-4
Editor:
Saarbrücken
www.gev.be
Route plaque of the European route
Advertising and public relations
Municipalities, institutions, organisations, associations, hotels, restaurants and pubs, petrol stations, shops, public facilities etc. along the European Route of Democracy can use the route plaque (‘The European Route of Democracy runs here’) and the route emblem (‘Located on the European Route of Democracy’) free of charge for marketing purposes by arrangement.
See also website Dates/Photos
