Beyond Borders: German-French Cross-Border Experiences During the Pandemic
Conversation and Artistic Intervention
Closed borders and blocked (Rhine) bridges: The outbreak of the pandemic in the spring of 2020 turned the carefree freedom of travel in Europe—and especially life in the regions immediately bordering other countries—on its head; cross-border activities—such as working, shopping, or going to school—suddenly became a challenge.
How have people’s lives in the region changed since then? Which borders suddenly became visible and tangible again? What role did legal factors play in this? And what lessons have people in the border region drawn from this period? How do they view transnational solidarity, friendship, and a Europe without borders—one that seems more fragile than ever before?
The following people are asking themselves these questions:
- Prof. Dr. Florian Weber, Department of European Studies, Saarland University
- Dr. Carolyn Moser, Max Planck Institute for Foreign Public Law and International Law, Heidelberg
- René Richert & Matthias Ackermann, mayors and initiators of a manifesto for Franco-German solidarity
- Dr. Heike Greczko, Deputy Director of vhs Karlsruhe, cross-border commuter
- Lionel Clergue, Michelin Tire Works, Engineer & Cross-Border Worker
The Moderated by will be presented by the journalist and president of the Justizpressekonferenz e. V. Kolja Schwartz.
Artistic accompaniment by Yves Mettler (Germany/Switzerland) and Nicolas Couturier (FR).
Admission is free.
Register at event@stiftung-forum-recht.de.
Please note that, due to the continuing high number of infections, the Stiftung Forum Recht—following the example of other cultural institutions in Baden-Württemberg—continues to require masks (FFP2 masks or medical face masks) in all areas of the premises. Please maintain a minimum distance of 1.5 meters from others whenever possible. We recommend that you wear your mask even while seated. This measure is intended to protect both visitors and employees of the Stiftung Forum Recht.
Thank you very much for your understanding.
Illustration: © Johanna Benz, adapted by SFR