ded . The history and – plural – memories of past conflicts often underpin today ’ s debates and political struggles in a forum where respect , social justice and civic freedom must prevail .
Defending a plurality of realities , identities and democratic memories , which are considered a right , is the responsibility of our state and suprastate institutions . It would be dangerous to move towards non-democratic spaces , given their capacity to persuade people and how this would mark a backwards step for rights and freedoms . The founding fathers and mothers of the concept of a united Europe warned against this , in the wake of the horrors of the Second World War . Today , as we face new challenges as part of more plural and inclusive societies , we must continue to defend justice in diversity .
I would like to thank the readers for their interest in this subject ; all the authors for their wonderful contributions ; the editorial team for their excellent work ; colleagues at the Jean Monnet House for their commitment to the memory of today ’ s European Union ; and the European institutions for their support as we carry out our mission of looking back at the past so that we can examine the present with the perspective of history . I hope you enjoy the book !
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