Origins of the Modern Idea of a United Europe

Abstract

The article is focused on the sources of the idea of a united Europe, which are also relevant to Lithuania, both theoretically and practically. Practically, Lithuanian society supports the idea of a united Europe enthusiastically and is deeply interested in its success and stability. Theoretically, Lithuanian culture developed and flourished in the context of European civilization, first Christian and later modern. In recent studies, it is usual to emphasise “Europeanisation” of Lithuania and the parallels between the multiethnic medieval Grand Duchy of Lithuania and contemporary Europe, united in diversity and openness. The fact that our “Europeanisation” unfolded at the same time as Christendom was discovering its new modern European identity is left on the margins.