(THIS ARTICLE IS MACHINE TRANSLATED by Google from Norwegian)
From 21. to 23. August Møllebyen Literature Festival will be held in Moss, and twenty participants from all over the world will, through readings, panel discussions, exhibitions, concerts and an academic seminar, illuminate this year's theme Europe.
One of the participants is the Ukrainian philosopher, essayist and political analyst Volodymyr Yermolenko, who believes that today's Europe has two different faces. "I see a 'Europe of rules' and a 'Europe of faith'," Yermolenko told Ny Tid. "'Europe of the Rules' follows the rules it created, without really believing in either them, Europe's mission or Europe's values. In contrast to this is the 'Europe of faith', which has strong faith in both Europe's mission and Europe's ability to build a society on human rights and values. The 'believing Europe' is ready to fight for these values, to die for them. But quite often, 'Europe of faith' is reluctant when it comes to rules, "he explains.
On the occasion of the festival six publications are published – one anthology (see below) and five separate works. Yermolenko's essay "Dreams of Europe", in which he explores this duality, is one of the texts printed in the anthology. "The two faces of Europe do not necessarily have a geographical significance," says Yermolenko, "although I would say that Western Europe has a greater adherence to a 'Europe of rules' model, while Eastern Europe – including Ukraine – is closer" "Europe of faith," he continues. "But more than it is about geography, I think these two faces exemplify two different attitudes to an existing European project. The big question therefore becomes: Is Europe a set of rules that organize life in the area, or is it rather an ideology that attracts or appeals to other nations? ”Asks Yermolenko.
"Is Europe a set of rules that organize life in the area, or is it an ideology?"
Change after Maidan. The philosopher points out that these are two expressions that are mutually interdependent. "The Europe of Faith" needs better rules, because lack of rules and law-making is one of the biggest problems in Eastern Europe. But the 'Europe of the Rules' needs more passion, a belief in a kind of mission that I mean to see in today's Eastern Europe. Faith without rules leads to anarchy and corruption; rules without faith lead to inner weakness and pessimism, ”says Yermolenko.
"The story of Europe may seem to be rewritten now."
On a daily basis, Yermolenko teaches philosophy at the Kyiv-Mohyla Academy in Kiev. He believes in seeing a change in attitude among Ukrainians after the Maidan Revolution, which he describes in the article "Dreams of Europe" as a revolution that is about building up, not tearing down. "I think that Ukrainian society was very destructive before Maidan," he says. "When the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991, all models of 'collective living' disappeared. Gradually we constructed a very individualistic society where everyone fought for themselves. The Maidan movement laid the foundation for something else, ”he says. "It's both creative and alturistic – people gave a lot more than they got. And despite the problems Ukraine is going through now, this idea is still alive: We see a new society being formed. A society where creating something new, something good for others, has greater value than enriching oneself. It is in stark contrast to what we have seen in Ukraine in the past, ”says Yermolenko.
New story. Festival organizer Martin M. Sørhaug says that the choice of theme for the festival came naturally, taking into account the political changes in Europe. “The story of Europe may seem to be rewritten now. We want to facilitate the conditions for both participants and the audience within the festival's framework to reflect on a variety of related and relevant issues, ”he says.
He has high expectations for the festival, and hopes the breadth of themes and expressions will attract many participants. “First, we expect full house. Secondly, we have a desire to continue the artistic, professional and social intensity that we have been able to establish in recent years, ”says Sørhaug, who believes the festival can offer professional aha experiences to many. “The festival has a very clear framework: a room, a house, and publications with texts by festival participants. Over three dense days many surprising meeting points are created, which we consider to be one of the most important strengths of this festival form. Our goal is to facilitate such meetings, ”concludes Sørhaug.
carima@nytid.no
