On May 1, 2004, ten Eastern European nations joined the European Union, marking a significant political shift. Key insights reveal a mix of optimism about newfound freedom and concerns over immigration. Professor Romano Prodi shares his experiences and perspectives on this historic enlargement. The podcast dives into emotional responses from leaders and citizens alike, celebrating the cultural fusion and unity that emerged from this momentous occasion. It encapsulates a transformative era in European history, echoing themes of hope amidst uncertainty.
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insights INSIGHT
Prodi's Vision to End Cold War
Romano Prodi's dream was to end the Cold War by uniting Europe.
He believed an enlarged Europe is stronger than a restricted one.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Prodi's Family and Passion
Prodi came from a high-achieving family; many siblings became food professors.
He grew passionate about European unity initially for peace, then survival.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Unexpected EU Leadership Role
Prodi was out of politics but accepted presidency of European Commission.
He felt one cannot refuse this critical European leadership role.
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On 1 May 2004, the European Union went through its biggest ever enlargement. 10 countries joined including eight from the former Soviet Union’s sphere of influence. For some, it was the moment the Eastern Bloc threw off the shackles of the Cold War and embraced a prosperous future in the EU. For others, it was the moment European countries lost control of their borders, leading to mass migration. Twice Italian Prime Minister, Professor Romano Prodi, was President of the European Commission at the time. He speaks to Ben Henderson.
Eye-witness accounts brought to life by archive. Witness History is for those fascinated by the past. We take you to the events that have shaped our world through the eyes of the people who were there. For nine minutes every day, we take you back in time and all over the world, to examine wars, coups, scientific discoveries, cultural moments and much more.
Recent episodes explore everything from football in Brazil, the history of the ‘Indian Titanic’ and the invention of air fryers, to Public Enemy’s Fight The Power, subway art and the political crisis in Georgia. We look at the lives of some of the most famous leaders, artists, scientists and personalities in history, including: visionary architect Antoni Gaudi and the design of the Sagrada Familia; Michael Jordan and his bespoke Nike trainers; Princess Diana at the Taj Mahal; and Görel Hanser, manager of legendary Swedish pop band Abba on the influence they’ve had on the music industry. You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, such as the time an Iraqi journalist hurled his shoes at the President of the United States in protest of America’s occupation of Iraq; the creation of the Hollywood commercial that changed advertising forever; and the ascent of the first Aboriginal MP.
(Photo: People celebrate the Czech Republic joining the EU. Credit: Sean Gallup via Getty Images)
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