‘Europe is a powerful factor—less so because of its military but much more because of its economic and cultural capabilities. Its intellectual strength comes from not cocooning itself in a black and white logic. Instead of a collective crew, individuals step up—to the delight of all parties concerned—who transcend the national through the power of their personal contacts. Partialities, historic sights and maybe even works of art can help to establish a sensual communication between Europeans. The European association is not the result of collective decisions; quite the contrary: governments have decided on something that is already happening. In this way European literature evolved before anyone had the idea of developing a peaceful and voluntary political association. What holds Europe together? First and foremost its culture and artists.’