“Europe commemorates the Holocaust; however, it still forgets.”

On the 27th of January, Europe marked 75 years since the liberation of Auschwitz, a grim reminder of one of Europe’s darkest pages in history. 

It is a landmark that demands of us to remember, not out of shame as many see it, but as our duty to our future generations.

Naturally, the extermination of millions of people, not just from the Nazi’s but their collaborators across Europe for simply who they were, should make us feel ashamed. 

However, the purpose of such commemoration, should not focus on making us feel guilty or hate, rather it could be an opportunity to educate and learn to tolerate.

Because even after being exposed to numerous commemorations, documentaries, films and inspiring political speeches about the Holocaust, its causes and aftermath, Europe-although it has made huge progress- hasn’t managed to rid off old prejudices and nationalism entirely.

Even nowadays there is a reported sharp rise in Anti-Semitism across our continent, with Jewish cemeteries being vandalized in France, Germany and elsewhere, but even the UK’s Labour Party, being investigated of its alleged anti-Semitic views.

It is peculiar to think that after such catastrophe, that costed the lives of millions of people-not just the Jews of Europe- people would still see an ethnic group as responsible for all their troubles and problems. So much in fact that they would prefer to align themselves with outright criminal ideologies.

And it is even more worrying, that this hatred spreads to many other ethnic or religious minority groups of Europe. Our continent has become multinational, multi-religious and multiracial and that is a direct outcome of the Holocaust’s legacy.

People for many years have chosen to abandon hate, prejudice and preferred to include and tolerate individuals of different background, as result of the horrors of fascism, nationalism and populism they have experienced. The EU itself was created from the ashes and remains of the old Europe, with a promise that never again would Europeans die in such wars, fueled by hate.

However, our continent is still struggling with its identity and future. And it is not just the Jewish people that are being targeted this time. Islamophobia is also a worrying trend, in addition to the rising xenophobia and Euro-skepticism. Seventy-five years ago, it may have been the Jews of Europe that faced the brunt of our hate, however if we are not careful in the future it could be others.

  

In addition to commemorating the loss of nearly 6 million Jewish lives in the most horrid manner, we could also start telling the stories of others that perished in the same way. And even though the numbers were fewer, their deaths should not be forgotten in history.

With the European Jews, the Nazis exterminated a large part of Europe’s Romani people, homosexuals, Jehovah’s Witnesses, people with disabilities and their political opponents. According to some estimations, about 1.5 million Romani people have died alongside those of Jewish descent.

Some historians bring that number down to anywhere between 200,000 and 500,000, however the numbers should not be the only thing that we should be concerned, rather the reason and the manner.

Many of them died in concentration camps, while wearing a brown inverted triangle. Others were shot while fighting against the Nazis and alongside their compatriots. Many found a gruesome death, while Nazi scientists were conducting experiments on them, like pouring chemicals into their eyes to attempt a color change.

Yet while the Jewish Holocaust is greatly discussed and commemorated, the “Porajmos” or Romani Holocaust is still not being spoken about, or as extensively studied. There are no films or documentaries made about the suffering of the Roma people those days and even if the German government has officially recognized it since 1982, it has never paid any reparations to the Roma victims, like it did with the Jewish ones.

Perhaps that is one reason why the Romani victims are not portrayed in any Hollywood blockbuster movie, together with the fact that they do not have a strong lobby in America to promote their rights and even worse, not even in Europe-their birthplace.

Romani people are part of our continent for centuries. But even today, they are among the poorest of people, facing discrimination and lack of opportunities in all countries they reside on the European continent.

About 80% of the 12 million Roma in Europe today are living below the poverty line, while in average they live 10 years less than the average European with high infant mortality. Only one out of four Roma people are employed, while fewer than that have finished their education: 20% cannot read or write.

Perhaps if we started viewing them in a different manner, we could end this outrageous discrimination and maybe we could start by telling their stories during the Holocaust, to sensitize people about their rights and cause.

Another group that usually is left out of the commemorations are homosexuals. They do not get as much sympathy, as they are not an ethnic group and nowadays, they enjoy their rights and equality in most European nations.

However, their stories should also be told, as a reminder that hate and intolerance is not always targeting foreigners, ethnic or religious groups. In addition, viewing the unjustifiable suffering that these men and women had to endure, could once and for all silence critics of LGBT rights.

An estimated 100,000 gay men in Germany were arrested as homosexuals between 1933 and 1945, with 50,000 being sentenced. Of that number, around 15,000 of them ended up in concentration camps with a high mortality rate, of about 60%.

Homosexuals in concentration camps faced an unusual degree of cruelty, with experiments being conducted on them, in order to find a cure for their homosexuality or other medical diseases.

Others were forced in having sex with Jewish women, prostitutes or lesbian women, in order to force “normal” sexual desires onto them. Castration, boiling of their testicles and violence driven by the homophobia of the Nazi guards, were often reported.

Many were beaten by other inmates, while Nazi soldiers used to practice their shooting skills, by targeting the pink downward triangles sewn on their uniforms to distinguish them, ultimately killing them on sight. Homosexuals in concentration camps were considered the lowest of the low, classified as “asocials” and the true number of the victims remains unknown.

Again, many would not consider the stories of these men worthy of being told and brought into the greater public knowledge, since the gay community enjoys a great number of freedoms and degree of equality. However, we must never forget how easy it is for a society to slide backwards and what can happen to people of minority groups if we allow it.  

Germany prior the rise of the Nazis, had a vibrant gay community and in Berlin, gay and lesbian bars and clubs were abundant. Just because at one given time, a social group enjoys a certain set of freedoms, it does not mean that it can be taken for granted; sadly, that is why the commemoration of the Holocaust is still necessary today.

It is becoming evident that it should not be focused only on one ethnic group’s tragedy and the injustice inflicted upon them, rather view it as a lesson of what we can lose if we make the same mistakes again. It will not only be millions of lives, of many ethnic or religious minorities, but above all it will be our humanity and some of our most cherished values, that contribute to Europe’s uniqueness and success: our diversity, equality, tolerance and freedom.

“Europe should unite and act over Libya”.

For the past decade, there have been not one, but three wars raging right at Europe’s borders. The most known and reported is the one in Syria, which has forced millions of refugees into our continent, however we cannot be too complacent about what is happening in Ukraine and even more so, in Libya.

Since the NATO backed overthrowing and killing of the Colonel Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, the North African nation has experienced instability, two civil wars and a growing foreign intervention. Most of Europe was focusing on its internal troubles like Brexit, however it recently became apparent that this conflict should not be ignored.

Thus-and rightly so- the German Chancellor Angela Merkel organized in Berlin a Conference for Libya on the 19th of January. Invitations were sent to both warring parties of Libya, the Tripoli based GNA and its leader Fayez al-Serraj, plus the Tobruk Government’s (HoR) Libyan National Army General, Khalifa Haftar.

With them, a selection of foreign powers with interests in the region were also invited, most of them already present and engaging in the conflict, siding with either party. The leaders of France, Turkey, Russia, Italy and the United Kingdom, together with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo were present.

In addition, representatives from the EU, the African Union, the UN, the Arab League, Egypt, UAE, DR Congo, China and Algeria.

The Conference’s outcome seems to have been successful, if only the participants- especially the two rivals in Libya and their foreign supporters, stick to what it has been agreed; that is an end to any interference in the country's ongoing civil conflict, plus to uphold a UN arms embargo.

Twice before, in Paris and in Palermo similar agreements were made, but not upheld. In addition, there was a failed effort for mediation by Greece in 2016 between Libya and Egypt and in 2011 between Gaddafi’s regime and NATO. Thus, one would wonder, why now Greece was excluded from the talks, since it has played an active role before.

Many in the Balkan nation, were angered by Germany’s snub towards Greece, especially since Turkey’s President, Mr Erdogan was present. The German government chose to keep the reasons away from the public knowledge, while many notable Greek politicians such as Dora Bakoyanni, called the move “a mistake”.

  

Yet, there are many reasons why the German initiative should be applauded, although they could have involved Greece in some ways. The US has hinted that Libya is mainly Europe’s problem and it avoided until now in getting actively involved, apart from sporadic attacks on ISIL targets.

To fill this void, Turkey and Russia have both stepped in, each siding with a rival warring group. In order to promote its interests, Turkey has signed two agreements with CNA, one on maritime borders and the other on military cooperation. The first one has hit a nerve with Greece, as it considers the maritime memorandum a violation of international law and an attack on its sovereign rights.

Turkey and Greece have seen their relations deteriorating the past few years, with Turkey trying its best to interfere or sabotage the developments in East Mediterranean and the successful cooperation between Cyprus, Israel and Greece on gas exploration.

Bitter because it has been left out, Turkey went on to sign its own deal with Libya, although not only it is illegal, it is supported by no one. Both the US and the EU have thrown their support around Greece, yet sadly only in words.

The EU has numerous times condemned Turkey’s actions around Cyprus and East Mediterranean; however, it has until now avoided to actively and decisively penalize Erdogan’s antics. Similarly, the US government although supportive of Greece, they are too passive when it comes to Turkey, a major and valuable ally of theirs in the Middle East.

The whole dispute between the two NATO “allies” is around the right to oil and gas exploration, just as in Libya. It is such a pity that Turkey is not focusing on its recent successes, such as launching their first ever Turkish made automobile and its own economy, but instead is trying to bully two EU member states- Greece and Cyprus- while extending their sphere of influence.

Such attitudes have kept the whole region backwards and harmed the economies of both Greece and Turkey. The latter is now to trying to infringe on Greek national maritime territory- all the way close to the island of Crete- in order to satisfy the megalomaniac plans of Mr Erdogan and his government.

Turkey maintains that the Greek islands do not constitute Greek sovereign rights on the continental shelf. In this way, it wants to extend its right to drill all the way deep in Greek waters. It is only to be seen when Europe will truly treat Greek and Cypriot national maritime borders as European, acting accordingly and cutting the appetites of Erdogan once and for all.

Because of Turkey, Greece was forced to intervene in the Libyan crisis and declare allegiance with HoR. The Greek government invited the group’s leader Khalifa Haftar in talks prior the Berlin Conference, plus it clearly indicated that it would block any decision adopted by the EU regarding Libya, unless the Turkey-GNA maritime deal is cancelled. 

 Overall, we should be hailing Chancellor Merkel’s initiative as Europeans, although ultimately, it should be the EU taking such lead. It is about time Europe started flexing its muscle in its own neighborhood and taking the lead in solving international disputes. How does it want to be taken seriously as a global player, if it cannot decide collectively or show determination during such threats and crises?

Until now, EU member states were fragmented or indifferent towards the Libya conflict, too absorbed by Brexit and Syria at best. Italy is supportive of the Tripoli based GNA, while France and the UK switched sides according to their and US interests. Now that Greece is forced to enter the game by Turkey’s antics and Germany by its own accord, it is evident that this conflict is becoming a European issue.

If we leave Russia backing HoR and Turkey supporting GNA, we will have an outcome that ultimately will affect Europe, but without any of our input or our interests protected and promoted.

Germany might have made a blunder by not inviting Greece to the talks, or it may just have saved the day. With a Turkey so hostile towards Greece, if the two were engaged in the Conference, it could possibly derail any agreement and turned it into another heated debate and diplomatic incident between the two.

That was not the point of such meeting after all. Besides, Greece has not attained a great record of diplomatic success in the region previously. Plus, Erdogan was unable to get what he wanted from the Conference and had to-seemingly at least- accept a ceasefire, a UN arms embargo and a peacefully resolution to the conflict.

No word was made about the Greek concerns, at least not openly and the Germans with their European counterparts were wise this time around to avoid it. It is always better to focus on one issue and not try to carry two melons under one arm. However, if there should be a continuation in this dispute, Greece cannot be ignored again.

At least not since it pledged and showed interest in sending together with France, Germany and other European nations, a military mission to monitor the ceasefire. It is the country of entry for many refugees from the Middle East and Africa, it has maritime borders with Libya and since Turkey’s stance, will be most affected by the Libyan civil war outcome.

Following the Berlin Conference over Libya, Europe is debating about what path to follow next. Ministers are currently in Brussels, discussing ways of how to treat Turkey, with Hungary being one of the states opposing sanctions against its aggression towards Greece.

Another topic is focusing on the realization, that since Europe needs to secure the outcome of the Conference, it really needs to get both militarily and politically involved, even if it is with the collaboration of the UN and the African Union.

In conclusion, Merkel’s initiative has finally got Europe talking about Libya and Turkey. It now only remains to be seen how able EU member states can be, in showing solidarity with a member state, leadership in the region and agreeing decisively on a matter that can shape their future.

Europe needs a common immigration policy, if it wants to secure its future integration.

With Brexit now cemented after the British elections last month, we are starting to taste the first consequences of the populist and Euro-skeptic policies and governments we all chose to adopt since the economic crisis, from the newer EU members to the old.

The sad thing is that we resolved to those choices when our pockets were hurt, however we disturbingly opted to vent our anger and frustration once again towards migrants and in addition, to turn against our greatest political achievement of the past decades; the EU.

Admittedly, it is hard to have all countries of Europe agree on something. They have different economies, mentalities, cultures and historical “baggage”, that even though they strive for the same thing, they squabble.

Take immigration for example. One would have thought, that while having established freedom of movement and a market economy which every political elite on the continent reveres and defends, immigration especially within the EU would not have caused such ripples.

Our economic model needs immigrants, so unless we chose to radically change it and alter our social template, we must accept that immigration is here to stay. We cannot have the welfare benefits we enjoy, without someone working and paying for them.

Of course, there must be a distinction between migrants and refugees, the second causing such a terror in Europe lately, that people would happily prefer to give up their freedoms and privileges as EU nationals, in order to keep them out.

Not that the arrival of so many people outside or Europe in such a short time, does not pose serious challenges and problems, or it is only our problem to tackle. But for most, it is the least we can do until their countries are livable again.

With the people escaping from war torn regions, come naturally economic migrants and others who see our continent as a land of promise and opportunity, just as many of our ancestors saw other continents in the past.

They are the ones that are most unwanted. Understandably, native Europeans fear the drastic change that a large number of new comers bring, especially when politicians fail to explain to them the conditions these people live and work in, the benefits they bring and of course, how many enter but also are repatriated or deported.

  

With a single market and freedom of movement long established, Europe should by now have its common immigration policy and unity, when dealing with such crises and challenges. However, the EU is comprised by states with a very different view on citizenship, nationality and immigration laws, that have formed through very different paths in history.

The Western part, had for centuries colonized other continents, resulting in vast, multi-ethnic and multi-religious empires. To them, citizenship and national identity is more tolerant of multiculturalism, because their elites had to convince their subjects that they share a common identity, in order to justify their rule over such a mosaic of peoples.

In addition, they enjoyed economic growth and wealth far earlier, thus they experienced immigration into their countries since the ‘50s in some cases; enough time to develop a new sense of ethnic identity and citizenship, or at least get used to migrants.

Contrary to them, many Eastern and Central new EU member states have a more nation-oriented sense of citizenship, as they were not as exposed to multiculturalism for as long as their western piers. So, when they were faced with such societal alterations such as inward immigration and dealing with refugees, understandably there was fear and skepticism.

Something that local populists exploited and used the failures of Western Europe as an example, in order to help promote their xenophobic agenda. Because yes, even after so many decades of experiencing inward migration, the western European states haven’t in all cases achieved to manage immigration properly.

In a discussion with a Belgian national last year, we ended up talking about the state in the city of Brussels, in which large parts have turned into immigrant ghettos, an image that often is used by populists as an example of “what is to come”, if other countries fall under the “islamisation”  of Europe.

He explained some of the grave mistakes that the Belgian government has made, when out of guilt for their actions in their African colonies in the past, in combination with their need of labor force due to their nation’s industrialization, they have decided to attract many immigrants from their former colonies like Congo to live and work in Belgium.

With them, others followed from countries like Morocco and the Belgians loosened their immigration laws in order to facilitate the enrichment of their country’s labor force, plus to compensate many from their former colonies.

When their economy and industries changed and they clearly did not need as many immigrants, the establishment found it hard to touch the sensitive matter of immigration, out of complex and guilt, or simply out fear of being branded racists. 

As Brussels is divided in different districts and jurisdictions and Belgium itself in two major language-based authorities, the immigration issue soon became a matter that was passed on from one authority to the other like a hot potato. In the end nobody took responsibility for it, so any efforts for integrating or controlling the number entering the country was left to run by old laws and an outdated approach.

Thus, we have today not just Brussels, but many other western European capitals and large cities, faced with the same problem and that is something that others use as an example to refuse to open their borders to refugees; breaking the ranks with their European partners and exposing the EU’s inability to promote solidarity among its members on such issue.

In the western part of Europe too, immigration has become a hot topic, one of the main reasons-or excuses- for Brexit, the rise of the far Right in France, populist government in Italy, terrorism in Norway in the face of Anders Breivik.

These incidents simply express Europe’s identity crisis, but also the failures of our governments which are the real cause of the problem and not immigration itself or the free movement.

Although everyone benefits from them, in dire times it is easier to blame Eastern European workers for unemployment and the loss of jobs, even though in recent years, large numbers are returning to their economically booming homelands.

Under the current social and economic model we adopted, non-EU immigrants are necessary to maintain our social security, growth and investments. Yet we are finding hard to integrate them and once we do not have jobs for them anymore, out of guilt and complex we do not encourage them to return to their home countries or seek new opportunities to other EU member states.

They are forced to live in poverty-stricken ghettos, with less opportunities than the rest and naturally, wherever there is poverty and exclusion, come institutionalization and radicalization. The native population is confused, as they fear they are losing their identity and control over their communities and societies.

In addition, when their governments fail to secure them jobs, they become desperate or angry and rightly so. However, they also often oppose necessary reforms, in order to maintain benefits and privileges that are not in sync with the modern reality.

Thus, consequently and out of desperation they want to return to what they know best: the nation state that raised them comfortably. European countries have shown two trends when dealing with the refugee crisis, some like Sweden and Germany accepted many people in, while others like Hungary are trying hard to keep as many out.

  

It remains to be seen how well the first two countries can integrate their new arrivals on their own and not conduct the mistakes of Belgium, or for how long Hungary can have the tolerance of their European partners.

Europe needs strong leadership right now and an EU that will convince its members to agree to a common immigration policy, that will heal these divisions and soothe the mistakes conducted by the national governments in the past.

A policy that will complement the freedom of movement and allow people from within, but also outside the EU, to be able to contribute with their knowledge and expertise, move freely in the block and enrich their own skills.

We could decide on the educational background of the immigrants we would like to attract, just like Canada and Australia are doing. Perhaps we could even open immigration centers in the regions of the migrants’ origin, instead of allowing them to enter illegally in Europe.

The list of what we could do to streamline Europe’s immigration policy is endless, however all is blocked by national governments who wish to maintain control over this issue; but in most cases it is them who are failing.

Sharing responsibility and resources, could be the solution and the answer to the immigration question, which has become so prominent in our continent recently. Yet we are a long way in accepting this reality and thus, we prolong the problem with a negative impact on everyone individually, but above all the future of European unity and integration.

The Wall 30-Europe after the fall of the Berlin Wall; a troubling image.

On the 9^th of November 1989, Europe was changing forever. The Communist Block across the continent was collapsing and the divisions that once existed, were crumbling.

No other event could portray this historic development better, than the Fall of the Berlin Wall. A city divided in a country partitioned by war and ideology decades ago, was finally tearing a landmark which manifested those divisions down.

People from both sides were taking part and the whole world was watching. Europe, just like Germany itself will never be the same again, in fact their fates would be entwined more than ever.

The Fall of the Berlin Wall was the crescendo of a process that started prior some time in neighboring Poland, when after months of campaigning and civil unrest, saw the trade union “Solidarity” winning overwhelmingly a partially free election.

Soon after Hungary and the then Czechoslovakia followed suit, as the movement was spreading to East Germany and every other state in the Communist Block. It led to the collapse of Soviet Union and Europe was once again at the epicenter of a global shift, leading it.

The collapse of the regime was brought about by a series of civil resistance movements, which opposed the communist one-party rule, demanding change. The series of the revolts across Europe that became a full-blown revolution, came to be known as the “Autumn of Nations”.

Wired fences between Hungary and Austria were removed and thousands of East German refugees were escaping from Hungary and Czechoslovakia, into Western Europe. Soon after, as East Germany was being destabilized, the Berlin Wall was being dismantled by the same people it was supposed to hold back and separate from one another.

The outcome of this was the reunification of Germany and ultimately, that of Europe. The euro, the Schengen Agreement, the Maastricht Treaty, the EU expansion to include most of former Soviet Republic states, none of that would have happened in the Berlin Wall was still there.

There was for two decades a euphoric sentiment in our continent; that of brotherhood and unity, of European integration, dialogue and free movement, lack of borders, walls and anything that separated people, ideas, goods and capita from moving from one corner of the continent to the other. 

Fast forward 30 years and Europe is at the epicenter once again, while this time things appear to be moving in reverse.

Barbed wires are still being established on Hungarian borders, this time not with Austria but with Croatia, to keep another wave of refugees out. These people that try to escape war and oppression, do not come from within Europe’s borders, but predominantly from Syria.

Poland and Hungary are not leading a change to more freedom and democracy, rather show signs of liberalism fatigue and isolationist tendencies. Two countries that were in the forefront of the collapse of Communism, that inspired a change so drastic for millions in Europe and beyond, now prefer to shun Europe and further integration, while electing Euro-skeptic governments.

The euro itself, one of the symbols or European unification, barely survived the economic crisis a decade ago, while is still feared by many across the continent, that see it as the cause of their country’s economic woes.

Britain decided to leave the EU, primarily after objections and fears deriving from “waves of immigration” coming from the Eastern European states. They want to “take back control” of their borders and escape the EU’s “interfering,” in their internal affairs.

Polish people and other Eastern Europeans, who were once welcomed in Britain and the rest of Western states, they are now being scapegoated for “stealing jobs” and causing a strain in social cohesion, services and national resources. Together with all EU nationals, are now being threatened to “go back”, in order to save the British economy and lifestyle.

Across Europe Euro-skepticism and populism thrive, while there is an overall indifference to the EU and its institutions, if not hostility and suspicion. And all it took were one economic and euro-zone crisis, combined with a refugee emergency to completely change European minds.

EU expansion is under “fatigue,” and many states in Western Balkans like Albania have been put in a long waiting room, while euro-zone membership is not as appealing. Seemingly, the European public opinion just does not want any more foreigners entering, no matter where they come from.

Yet, nowadays the average European is taking what he has gained thirty years ago for granted. They can travel with ease- even three times a year- live or study in every country they want, gaining experience and maximizing their potential, however that is trivial now that immigrants from other regions are knocking at our door. 

The fact that the decisions we took collectively 30 years ago, made Europe one of the most stable and prosperous regions of the world and that is why so many outsiders are wishing they could live here, or achieve similar standards is outrageously forgotten.

Infighting over resources, national interests, money, power, status and our inability to abandon our nationalism and chauvinistic mentality are threatening to tear what we have built all these years. People are willing to come to Europe now, for the same reasons Eastern Germans were so desperately trying to escape their regime back then.

The European integration process and the single market are the only reasons why Europe is so rich and a magnet for investments, try to destroy this and Europe won’t be as appealing anymore. Is it worth it I wonder, only because we do not like to live among “newcomers”?

Not that immigration and the refugee crisis do not pose a serious challenge, however we could learn from the mistakes made so far by Western European countries, when dealing with such issues. There is no reason why their failures should become a catalyst for regressing to what Europe was once; divided and poor.

It is true that the corruption and scandalous arrogance and indifference of the European governments and elites, as well of those very EU “bureaucrats,” have soured the European people’s relations among them and added to their frustration and skepticism towards the EU.

However, if we destroy what we have built for the past 30 years, it is us that will have to pay the price and face the consequences, not the elites that we so much want to punish and hold accountable.

The last time we turned against the establishment in Europe, we brought down barbed wire fences, the walls they built to separate us, and we welcomed one another; We chose to live in border-less societies and travel freely within our continent. Now why do we choose to do the opposite?

Africa is about to create its own integrated market and political block, modeled after Europe’s achievements, yet we are seeking to destroy what others are trying to copy from us.  And not just Africa, but many other regions of the world.

I hope they are watching how Europe is ridiculously shooting itself on the foot and try to avoid our mistakes. Perhaps in the future, they will be the ones to remind us of how great Europe once was.

“To those who are triggered by Greta”.

There are a lot of discussions, pictures and memes circulating social media for the past year, that are mainly focusing on politicians, Brexit, Donald Trump and other celebrities. 

However, one person that does not fit in the above categories and has made the whole world talking, is a 16-year-old from Sweden.

Greta Thunberg, the daughter of two Swedish celebrities, became known for her activism in her home country in August 2018 at the age of 15. She started sitting out the Swedish Parliament with a sign saying, “School strike for Climate,” yet soon she was not alone.

Together with other students from other communities, they have organized the Fridays for Future Movement, a school climate strike. That movement became global and after Greta’s 2018 UN Climate Change Conference speech, student strikes are taking place every week somewhere in the world, involving millions of participants.

One would have thought that the achievements of this young lady would inspire and be applaudable, however she also attracts scores of negative comments and publications around her image, cause, age and disabilities.

It is a pity that so many people cannot see the good that can come out of her initiative. Over the past few months that I have been following Greta’s presence in social media, I came across numerous articles, comments and memes, claiming that climate change is not real, that she is funded by George Soros, or even more disturbingly making fun of her Asperger’s syndrome, her looks and speech abilities.

I won’t even bother commenting on the later, malicious commentary; however, it is evident that Greta has hit a nerve in many. It is either a fear of change that leads to denial, perhaps coupled with vested interests that hide behind the intentions of such individuals. Or perhaps it is simply envy; a young girl with disabilities, have managed to sit face to face with many world leaders and address them.

Instead of applauding, they chose to slander. I personally have a niece and in all honesty if I would like her to be inspired by anyone and choose a role model, I would prefer if that was Greta and not someone from “Love Island” or any other reality TV program, that shamefully promote a distorted cause for fame.

And I find it very peculiar how some are skeptical about the funding she gets to engage in her activism. Obviously, she receives funding from somewhere, otherwise how could she at that age, cross the Atlantic on a boat? Her parents are celebrities in her home country, so from that aspect, it should be easy for her to attract investments, never mind her newfound fame.

But if this is what we should be focusing on, then why don’t we do the same for her critics and in fact all our politicians? We do not really seek to know who funds any of our elected representatives or journalists, knowing the fact that all electoral campaigns are partially privately funded, and all journalists are getting paid by someone.

Additionally, even if for one moment we accept that climate change is not as serious as some think and calls like Greta’s are in vain, well would it harm anyone to switch to more environmentally friendly industries and finally live more harmoniously with our planet’s ecosystem?

Besides, science and evidence do not lie, however let us for one moment entertain the skeptics. Must we only change our industries and way of life, if the climate change is man-made, I wonder.

Since we have found alternatives to our energy needs, or ways to reduce our one-use plastic addiction, pollution and irresponsible wastage of our natural resources, then why we should be compelled to do something about it, only if we are convinced that climate change will destroy us.

Thus, it comes apparent that it is her critics that should be scrutinized of their intentions and funding. They could be simply trolls that target a young ambitious girl with disabilities, or maybe people who fear the change she brings with her actions in all levels.

Imagine if all young people followed her example, if industries were forced to change to more environmentally friendly practices or if we collectively stopped eating meat, traveling by plane, etc. Our whole economic model would have to be altered and that is not only frightening to some, but it will also be devastating to their pockets.

In addition, Greta’s success could mean a more engaged and vigilant future generation, socially, politically and environmentally that would send shivers down the spines of many of our elites, that are used to make decisions unchallenged, promoting the financial interests of the few.

On the other hand, Greta’s haters can simply be losers. Underachievers, that envy the drive and success of this young girl, because she simply reminds them of all the chances they did not take, all the times they should really have made a stand and express their ideas without fear, but they didn’t. Yet she not only did, but succeeded in it.

Greta Thunberg has been nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize and is personally liaising with many world leaders, scientists and academics. If only every each of us have decided to make a difference in this world, in any way we thought most appropriate, perhaps we would not be bothered by Greta’s actions, rather be focusing on our own very causes. 

She is calling for a radical change in all levels in our society, politics, economy and lifestyle; that is terrifying for sure and that is why many chose to try and keep her quiet. However, one thing is even more terrifying and that is a future where Greta was right about everything and the world chose not to listen, but mock and silence her.

Finally, we don’t have to adopt all of Greta’s vision for the future. If each one of us made just a small change in their lifestyle, if the only promise we made was to manage our resources better and limit our impact and pollution in our environment, then ultimately it would be for our own benefit, not Greta’s.

Religion’s role in Europe needs to be redefined.

Europe is becoming an increasingly liberal, tolerant, modernized and irreligious continent; however, this transformation does not happen at the same pace in every country.

Besides, we observe a rising trend of nationalism, xenophobia and conservatism that often not only questions the permanency of those changes, but also brings back dark pages of Europe’s history that a lot of us would like to leave in the past.

One of the most remarkable developments that occurred in our continent during the past few decades, is the acceptance of almost of all our minority groups, such as the LGBT community.

While not so long ago, people had to hide their sexual orientation or face imprisonment, exclusion, expulsion from their job, rejection by their families, daily ridicule, bullying and intimidation, nowadays LGBT individuals can finally be accepted for what they are; a valuable asset of every society and equal members of it.

Yet, there are still many that see the change of attitudes towards not just homosexuals, but ultimately every person’s sexuality as a threat, or something that needs to be analysed and explained with anathema or outdated, pseudoscience.

Instead of finally accepting that each person’s sexuality is as unique and different as its personality and it is linked to its ability to identify, express and think itself freely, many want to box this side of human nature into two categories that they have learnt to think as “normal”.

Sadly, among the harshest critics not just of the LGBT community, but any “deviant” form of sexual relationship can still be found among our religious leaders. Funnily enough all those priests, bishops and other church representatives, think of themselves as people of “God”, that reflect somehow the divine love for all humanity, apart of course from those who are born “different.”

In Poland, a country that had initially a promising European path when it joined the EU-before it allowed its religious and political conservatism to get the better of it- the archbishop of Krakow, Marek Jedraszewski has recently made some outrageous public comments.

At a homily to mark the 75th anniversary of the Warsaw Uprising, he warned of a "rainbow plague", reflecting the ongoing tensions in the country over gay rights. The archbishop compared the increasing demand for LGBT rights, with its communist past that “took control of the country’s peoples’ souls, hearts and minds."

By linking Polish citizen’s human rights to the country’s former communist administration, he intentionally tried to associate LGBT activists to the authoritarian and oppressive past of the country.

Obviously, the only argument he can use to convince his compatriots of his bitter homophobic tirade, is to compare gay individuals to something that the people of Poland have very bad memories of and loath.

The Polish Catholic Church, sadly used to stand as a bastion of national identity, intellectual freedom and hope during the decades that Poland was under communist rule, but now it rather represents all that is bigoted.

As the country made the leap and joined the EU, a club that is comprised by some of the world’s richest and most progressive nations, Poland should have anticipated that together with the economic reforms and benefits, come the social ones too.

And since most of the Western European nations have decided to offer LGBT individuals the recognition and security of the human rights which they deserve, then how can Poland refuse its own citizens theirs?

It doesn’t make sense to have half of Europe offering full rights to members of this minority group, while the other half refusing to modernize on such issues, while maintaining the free movement of individuals and an EU citizenship. Under those circumstances, Europe is forced to resemble America of the ‘50s, when in some states African Americans enjoyed certain rights while in others they did not.

How can the religious elite of Poland justify hate speech towards a considerable percentage of the country’s citizens, portraying them as the enemy, a plague and something as oppressive as the communist regime; the irony in this is that they are the intolerant ones and the persecutors.

Why do they hate LGBT activists so much, people which are only fighting for equal rights with the rest of their society, like recognition and acceptance, something that especially in countries like Poland, a nation that fought so hard to maintain its identity and freedom, should at least be admired.

Yet it is not just in Poland, that religious conservatism has become a toxic, bitter and often laughable example. The same week a Church of Cyprus bishop, Neophytos Masouras, in a speech describing that homosexual (male) children develop when pregnant women are having anal sex!

He went on to claim that homosexuality is a “problem” that is transmitted by the parent to the child by engaging in “unnatural” sexual acts. However, if for a minute we accept that his theory is correct, then how can he explain the existence of lesbian women, or other “problematic” individuals?

His peculiar justifications and explanations are based on the “teachings” of a Greek Orthodox saint named Porphyrios, who died in 1991 and tried to advice all homosexuals that their lives should be dominated by celibacy and constant prayer to rid of their “tendencies”.

Porhyrios believed that when a woman enjoys anal sex during her pregnancy, a desire is created, and then the desire is passed on to the child. Simple as that. Of course, it is doubtable if Porhyrios, Neophytos or any of their naive followers have bothered to study any scientific analysis on homosexuality or listen to members of the LGBT community on their experiences and challenges they are facing in modern times.

These two examples are coming from high ranked religious representatives in Europe in 2019. Both Cyprus and Poland are EU members, relatively developed economically and socially, politically stable, democratic and with a highly educated population.

Yet somehow, it is allowed for priests to speak about things they do not understand, thus should not have a say on, plus project their own bitter, outdated, uneducated and spiteful views on people that often need support, acceptance and love; something the all religions in Europe claim that they offer to their followers.

Members of the LGBT community have proven that are highly valuable in a society, since they are very active and creative-if we only allow them to be. They often hold key positions in politics, arts, education, civil administration, health and medicine, sports, entertainment or science.

They could be your brothers, your children, sons, daughters, sisters, but also your own fathers and mothers. How can anyone allow such ignorant and hateful comments to be made regarding them, especially coming from the Catholic Church which itself has a lot to answer for, regarding millions of sexual child abuse cases across the world.

As for trying to explain how homosexuals are being born, religious representatives should leave such attempts to science, it is not their field. Religion in modern Europe if it is to survive, it will have to drastically reform itself and stop following doctrine which was conceived by men with limited education, centuries or even millennia before our times.

The purpose of religious leaders in our continent, should not be to judge people of how to be basically themselves or live their lives, rather to offer them guidance in their spiritual search. They should offer unconditional love and support, rather target anyone who does not feel cisgender with fascist-like intolerance.

Times have changed and with them our societies and thus, the people living in them. We cannot allow such men to poison the minds and hearts of people against their fellow humans. Any religious organisation, dogma and sect should discourage their representatives from promoting such doctrine, as it is harmful not only to our society but the religious bodies themselves.

How do they expect for young individuals to join any religion that does not accept them or a member of their family, plus refers to them with such diminutive manner, without any justification or evidence, rather the preaching of men who lived centuries ago in a society totally different than ours.

Can we maintain such attitudes or beliefs in our modern societies and if we accept this for LGBT people and activists, then why not for women, ethnic and religious minorities, people with disabilities, migrants and even children?

If we resist change and progress when it comes to attitudes towards homosexuals, then why not regress to the times when we jailed men who had sex with men, when women could not vote or own property, children had to work, slavery being normal and interracial marriages were forbidden. This is not the Europe we should aspire to live in.

We need to establish across our continent, the same basic human rights of all communities and if that challenges some narrow-minded bigoted fascists that hide their true nature behind religion and priesthood, then shame of the Catholic, Orthodox, Protestant, Muslim, Jewish or any other established religious body and authority that exists in Europe nowadays, for allowing them to hijack religion, in order to spread their hatred and ignorance.

LGBT people do not need to be excused or their existence explained to be accepted, they just need the later. They do not need to be patronized, feared, forced to repent, ridiculed or hated, they need equal opportunities to showcase their talents and contribute to the progress of humanity and its civilization, as they always have done.

Is Macron's plan for a single European army and defense mechanism good for Europe?

Ever since his election in May 2017, France’s President Emmanuel Macron, has been very vocal on several necessary reforms on pan-European level. His overall view is seemingly very keen on deepening the European integration process in the future.

And while some of his plans found strong opposition by Germany and many smaller EU member states, there is one which President Macron is eager to push ahead; the formation of a European single army.

He has repeatedly called for Europe to establish its own defense mechanism and limit its reliance on USA’s military, for its protection. Something of course that has the support of the European federalists in our continent and has been long been discussed in these circles.

Undoubtedly, there is a strong sense of movement towards this direction and goal. The renewal of the Franco-German treaty recently signed in Aachen, pledging deeper economic and defense ties between the two, as well as commitment to the EU, plus the appointment of Ursula von der Leyen as EU Commission President, a German former Minister of Defense and strong supporter of Macron’s plan are seen by many as a prelude.

However, no one can ignore a few problems in this plan. First, what will Europe’s relationship with America be after such development. The two continents have been the two pillars of the most powerful military alliance on this planet, NATO. A rift between the two according to many Euro-Atlanticists, would considerably weaken the West and left it exposed to threats from Russia, China and others.

Secondly, many EU member states have been neutral since WW2 or even before that. How could they compromise their neutrality, to join a military alliance?

Yet, the first step towards a single European defense mechanism has already been taken and it’s called PESCO, which even neutral EU member states like Ireland, Finland, Austria and Sweden have signed. It all remains now to see how this will be developed, progressed and deepened.

A lot of people fear or are skeptical of Europe’s intended militarization, especially in these traditionally neutral nations. But until we have a clear view on what the Franco-German alliance is aiming with this plan, we can only speculate the outcome.

Europe needs a debate on its future defense, although it should not be one of its priorities right now. How can Macron convince the European population that struggles with unemployment, a divided EU with an increasing Euro-skepticism and an overall lack of enthusiasm, populism, xenophobia and an environmental crisis, that the future he promises for them relies on a single EU army?

Well, USA and Europe have had enough differences lately and Donald Trump’s presidency has considerably undermined their alliance. From tax wars and tariffs, to disagreements on NATO’s budget, the Western alliance either many like it or not, has reached a turning point.

Can Europe always rely on America for its protection and with what political and economic cost? If our continent is ever to become a global player, it will need to stop being under America’s shade and that includes its defense.

To achieve this goal, Europe needs its own foreign policy and to do that, it needs to stop relying on USA for its protection. Besides, it is unclear if Americans themselves are willing to pay for it any longer, as President Trump’s remarks on NATO’s budget often suggest.

Another point is the need to demilitarize and cut down on arms expenditure throughout Europe and ultimately the world. Realistically, there are few enemies that can seriously harm our continent, especially if we stay united and establish our own collective defense mechanism.

The worse threat that we are faced with now is not a military one, rather cyber-attacks or internal security and perhaps that is one field that we need to spend money on. There is no need to use bogeymen like Russia, Turkey, China or some Arab and Middle Eastern states still, in order to excuse large military expenditure and industries.

And if we use better diplomacy and trade ties instead, Europe could eliminate any potential threat. Why keep Russia for example always as an enemy that we need to protect ourselves from-with expensive missile purchases and installments of course- while it is unclear if Russians really want to destroy Europe, one of their largest trade partners for their oil and gas.

In addition, it is questionable in we truly need NATO currently. This alliance has been unable to protect Greece from another of its members, Turkey. The two countries have been in an ever-increasing arms race, to the detriment of both nations’ economies and the benefit of those arms industries of their allies.

For decades the two countries were “encouraged” to buy more arms to protect one from the other, while belonging to the same alliance. Even when Greece was seeking a bail-out from its European partners and the IMF, some of its EU creditors allegedly offered their help in return for arms sale deals.

While under its bail-out program, Greece still purchased two dozen F-16 fighter jets from USA, two submarines from Germany and several helicopters and frigate ships from France. All at the cost of billions of euros.

One could wonder how Greece’s allies could be happy with those transactions, then have the nerve to lecture the country on its “irresponsible” expenditures. At the peak of the euro-zone crisis, when words exchanged between the Greek and German government officials turned sour, a lot of allegations were made about dealings and corruption that involved Greek arms purchases from Germany.

The indebted country is one of the largest military equipment importers of the world, behind only India, China, UAE and South Korea. It has double the number of tanks than that of Britain and one of the largest submarine fleets in Europe. All that, with the excuse that it needs to protect itself from its NATO ally, Turkey.

It is evident that this military alliance, serves no other purpose anymore than a huge market of arms, that weaker countries are encouraged, forced, coerced or bribed to buy military equipment that they do not need, in order to make the richer countries, well even richer.

Greece’s three main arms providers are USA, Germany and France, with Italy, Britain and the Netherlands following; all its NATO allies. Greece is coming second only to USA in the alliance, of the countries that fulfill the 2% NATO guideline on its members GDP share on expenditure.

Most others, even much richer countries like Luxembourg, Norway, Germany itself, Belgium, Denmark or Canada fall short of this guideline, with only Britain, Estonia and Poland contributing to the alliance’s expenditure requirements, their agreed share.

So if you asked me if I would like to maintain Greece’s NATO membership the answer would be a resounding no. Many Greeks see the formation of a European army as a hope, a NATO alternative to which perhaps we would not have to contribute as much and spent a large share of our GDP on weaponry that we don’t need, only to maintain this alliance and enrich its most powerful members.

But would a European army offer Greece such relief, or we could end up paying double, maintaining two alliances for “protection”? One of the main reasons that many of my Irish friends are skeptical of a European army, is that they see it as Europe’s militarization attempt and a trap set by the Franco-Germans to make them pay more into their arms industries.

If what President Macron has in mind is another European version of NATO, with the only difference being, the French or the Germans are in command instead of the Americans, forcing smaller nations to enrich their arms industries-just like they have been doing to Greece all of these years, then naturally no one should support such idea.

However, Europe needs a new or alternative defense plan and that is impossible under the current arrangements to achieve. With strong US arms industry interests involved, plus the competition they face from their European counterparts, our continent is doomed to this circle of high military expenditure, that we don’t, or we should not need.

While I stand with the neutral EU member states in opposing further militarization and arms expenditure, they also need to understand that other nations were not as lucky as them during the post-war arrangements in our continent. Besides, how could they enjoy the stability and peace in the continent, if others did not secure Europe’s borders?

Greece found itself in NATO for better or worse, which in the past served as a buffer zone for the expansion of the Soviet threat. Now that the Soviets are gone, why do we still need to invest so much money on weaponry?

Since our EU partners want to appear as good Europeans, they should understand that helping Greece and other nations at the borders of Europe is crucial, yet not with more bailouts. Countries like France and Germany should stop using smaller nations to support their own economies, while neutral nations like Ireland, should allow-even if they opt out in the end- the consideration of a NATO alternative, if it is beneficial to the economies of their partners.

And if you question why should you help Greece, if it wants to spend its money on German submarines, then accept the fact that the next time that its economy will fail because it is forced to support the NATO arms industries, it will be your money that will be used to bail it out and ultimately you will be inevitably contributing to the purchases of US F-16s.

Once PESCO and the Franco-German plan offer an alternative defense mechanism for Europe, a renewed version away from the outdated, riddled with corruption and arms sales NATO, which coordinates the existing European armies rather solely forces them to increase their expenditure, plus it focuses on cyber security and policing, then it gets my vote.

We should not fall for scaremongering about forced conscription and “militarization”, upcoming wars and expansionist invasions, that many of the plan’s dubious opponents often use as arguments to stop such development. There is no evidence that such things are on the agenda. We need to think rationally and preferably collectively on what is best for our future.

Migrations and inbreeding are at the heart of the history of our species.

In recent years both Europe and the USA, have increasingly witnessed fears about the impact of immigration, that have almost managed to rip apart the European Union.

Yet scientists are delivering new answers to the question of European identity and ancestry. Their findings suggest that the continent has been a melting pot since the Ice Age.

People populating Europe today, are a varying mix of ancient bloodlines hailing from Africa, the Middle East, and the Russian steppe. (National Geographic)

In addition, scientists made another astonishing discovery. In southern Greece and Bulgaria, they found bones and teeth of ‘El Greco’, a new human ancestor species, that of Graecopithecus Freybergi.

All remains of early ‘hominids’ discovered until now, have been African. But towards the end of the second World War, German soldiers building a bunker in occupied Greece found part of a fossilized jawbone with human-like features.

Then, in 2009, an ancient tooth was discovered in southern Bulgaria. Until the date at which El Greco lived was determined, the dominant evolution theory was that humans have roots in Africa. Yet now El Greco has become our earliest known pre-human ancestor and he was European.

These remains suggest that modern humans evolved in the Balkan region. The lower jaw of the 7.175 million year old Graecopithecus Freybergi from Pyrgos Vassilissis, in Greece suggests that human ancestors were present in the Balkans before they were in Africa. (Irish Examiner)

The above finding, should seriously make us reevaluate all that we thought about human evolution and the history of our own species. Is it possible that we didn't evolve in Africa, or at least not just in that continent, consequently escaping in one or numerous big migrations to conquer the rest of the Earth?

Could there be a possibility that humans and other humanoid species, evolved in many parts of the world, just like many other animals and through migration, crossbreeding and evolution managed to populate every corner of our planet, in all different forms and subspecies?

What I found very astonishing and hard to understand or accept from the dominant "out of Africa" theory, is that in just 200,000-300,000 years as this theory suggests, humans managed not only to cover vast amounts of land on foot to populate the whole of the globe,but adapt in new and ever changing environments and also evolve in all the different races and ethnic groups that are known today.

All that, by just a handful of early members of the Sapiens species, that against all odds managed to get all other humanoids extinct, replacing their populations with no obvious physical trace, establishing one large single species of humanity that created our modern civilization.

Yet we are willingly and purposely deluding ourselves, perhaps because of our need for a pure national identity, or even worse, our guilt of the crimes and atrocities we committed to other fellow humans in the past. With a deep rooted romantic view of humanity due to religion, philosophy and our arrogance as a species, since we do not see ourselves as animals that fall under evolutionary rules, we cannot accept that other human species may have had an influence in our modern humanity.

In addition, we refuse to accept our most primal need and habit; immigration. We constantly try to find new ways and laws to prevent it or control it, but let's be honest about it, we have this trait deep within us since the dawn of our existence on this planet.

In fact, every single first major human civilization occurred, where continents met, people mingled and mixed, fought each other, interacted and exchanged ideas. And not just in antiquity. 

There is evidence for interbreeding between archaic and modern humans during the Middle Paleolithic and early Upper Paleolithic. The interbreeding happened in several independent events that included Neanderthals and Denisovans, as well as several unidentified hominids.

In Eurasia, interbreeding between Neanderthals and Denisovans with modern humans took place several times. The introgression events into modern humans is estimated to have happened about 47,000–65,000 years ago with Neanderthals and about 44,000–54,000 years ago with Denisovans.

Neanderthal-derived DNA was found in the genome of contemporary populations in Europe and Asia. It accounted for 1–4% of modern genomes, although estimates may vary. Neanderthal-derived ancestry is absent from most modern populations in sub-Saharan Africa, while Denisovan-derived ancestry is absent from modern populations in Western Eurasia and Africa.

However, in Africa, archaic alleles consistent with several independent admixture events in the subcontinent have been found. It is currently unknown who these archaic African hominids were.
(Wikipedia)

And if you think that inter-species inbreeding and hybridization is something impossible, currently there are numerous living examples. A grizzly–polar bear hybrid, is a rare "ursid" that has occurred both in captivity and in the wild.

In 2006, the occurrence of this hybrid in nature was confirmed by testing the DNA of a unique-looking bear that had been shot in the Canadian Arctic. The number of confirmed hybrids has since risen to eight.

Genetic analysis has revealed multiple instances of introgressive hybridization between bear species, including introgression of polar bear DNA into brown bears during the Pleistocene. (Wikipedia)

In addition, the “eastern coyote” or "coywolf", has colonized the forests of eastern North America. New genetic tests show that all eastern coyotes are actually a mix of three species: coyote, wolf and dog. The percentages vary, dependent upon exactly which test is applied and the geographic location of the canine.

Coyotes in the Northeast are mostly (60%-84%) coyote, with lesser amounts of wolf (8%-25%) and dog (8%-11%). Start moving south or east and this mixture slowly changes. (IFL Science)

So if hybridization can happen in bears and dogs and we are so fascinated and ready to accept and study it, why is it so hard to accept that we as humans, have also been mongrels at some stage? In fact, this gene diversity could be what gives us that amazing variety in our skin color, shape of eyes, texture and color of our hair, stature and so on.

If early humans interbred with other humanoids and then among themselves in their migrations, then we could easily see how this diversity of ours could take place in such a sort time, rather try to explain it in evolutionary and climate factors, like the cold climate, sun exposure and high altitude, which could have a secondary role in human evolutionary morphology.

Furthermore, this reality casts a doubt in any effort to preserve racial purity, or halt immigration by building high walls, since we are all a result of crossbreeding, migration and constant mixing between different human and humanoid groups. 

Ever since the time of the ancient Greek Stoic philosophers that have introduced us to the ideas of cosmopolitanism, followed by Christianity and other religions that were inclusive to all their followers despite their ethnic origins, we see ourselves as one species, one single group of humanity; as we should.

Even more recently in modern times, globalization also makes it necessary for less nationalism, more open borders, less protectionism and the reinforcement of the idea of one human race, living in brotherhood, peace and constant collaboration for a common good and betterment. And rightly so.

But why our vision for a better future, must stand in the way of finding who we really are? Are we so immature to accept that in our past, we were nomads and of mixed ancestry, something that is still very much present today in all continents.

The fact that there has never been an ethnically pure nation, nor racially or even as a species, should actually make us more relaxed about immigration and willing to mingle and come in contact with people of other backgrounds. Sadly, it rather has the opposite effect.

We are reluctant in accepting the fact that the differences among our species, are something to be celebrated, studied and accepted as a proud badge from our time on this planet, it is our heritage and past, rather feel awkward about it.

Because what we fear is that if we openly accept that some of us have partially different gene background, immediately some groups will grasp this opportunity to divide us and spread hate and fear for one another, just like in the past, with horrendous consequences.

In the name of some absurd racial purity or supremacy and superiority, we have enslaved, butchered and annihilated other human beings, in an effort to control them and erase their culture and heritage, together with themselves. Haven't we still learned from our past mistakes I wonder.

Finally, wouldn't it be a great and long delayed recognition to our other human cousins, of their contribution to the modern humanity and perhaps not just with DNA exchanged, rather cultural ones as well.

What if the first Sapiens to enter Europe learned to survive the harsh environment that existed in our continent back then, because of their inbreeding and mingling with the dwindling in numbers Neanderthals. Maybe the latter did not just pass their genes to us, but also their ability to deal with harsh winters.

Since all Europeans are deriving from three major human ancestral groups, which in their turn could have been the outcome of other human or humanoid populations, we understand that we are the product of all these people, of all these migrations and different ethnic, racial, human species or subspecies groups and we owe who we are to all the above.

So instead of sitting comfortably in fear towards migration and bigotry towards the migrants, maybe it is time to accept that change has made us who we are and will continue to do so long after we are gone.

Not that immigration does not pose any challenges and problems that should be addressed and dealt with. Nor that we should be ashamed to feel the need to identify ourselves as part of an ethnic group, maintain our culture and pass it on to the next generation. This is after all what all the humans before us have been doing and that is why we have inherited such a rich and diverse cultural legacy.

But this cultural identity is not just our own, it belongs to all humanity, everyone of us is part of it. And if immigration, multiculturalism and cultural differences or clashes cause some problems, no need to fret, they have always been challenging and sometimes destructive. Yet in the long term, these problems should not stop us from being what we have always been; pioneering, migrating, mingling humans of all kinds.