To mark Austria’s National Day, the Austrian Embassy to Montenegro—in cooperation with the Delegation of the European Union to Montenegro—organised the literary event “Behind the Pen with Robert Menasse.” This unique gathering brought together literature enthusiasts, representatives from the cultural and diplomatic communities, as well as numerous students and professors at Europe House.

The guest of honour was Robert Menasse, an esteemed Austrian novelist and recipient of the 2023 European Book Prize, who shared his reflections on European politics, identity, and cultural heritage through the lens of his award-winning novel, Enlargement.

During his opening remarks, the Austrian Ambassador to Montenegro, Christian Steiner, noted that Menasse’s work holds both literary and political dimensions, allowing the novel to be read in either light.

The author agreed, adding that this duality is natural given his exploration of contemporary individual lives, significantly shaped by the European project.

Menasse went on to discuss his novel Enlargement, which delves into the complex bureaucracy of the European Union through the lives of characters involved in its institutions. With an authentic and critical approach, he addressed the challenges Europe faces in the processes of integration and expansion, explaining the importance of unity in diversity.

Copyright: Evropska kuća

“Our lives are greatly shaped by the European Union, and my intention was to depict how Europeans live,” Menasse stated. “The first step was to go to Brussels and familiarise myself with European bureaucracy and its institutions. After two years of research, I began writing with the aim of defending the European idea and, in some way, reconstructing it. This meant criticising the political elite but also supporting the European project.”

The Minister of European Affairs, Maida Gorčević, reflected on the importance of the enlargement as a theme that resonates not only in literature but also through political processes, underscoring the role of the European unity and literature as a bridge between cultures. She added that Montenegro’s EU membership is a goal pursued by her government, not merely for ticking off benchmarks and closing chapters, but for the citizens who support the EU accession and already live by European values.

“From a Montenegrin perspective, on our path to enlargement, we’ve had ups and downs, but the past year has demonstrated that there is enthusiasm and a desire in Montenegro to justify our status as frontrunners in the negotiations. For Western Balkan countries, there is concern about second-class membership since power often correlates with economic strength. However, the principle of gradual integration is bringing Western Balkan countries closer to the EU economies. Through the Growth Plan, we are slowly integrating into the Union’s Single market, with the first step being the membership in the SEPA, the Single Euro Payments Area,” stated Minister Gorčević.

Copyright: Evropska kuća

The Ambassador of the European Union to Montenegro, Johann Sattler, expressed his satisfaction with the event, recalling when Menasse’s book was still just an idea.

“Menasse’s new book, Enlargement, is a wonderful and witty work offering a unique literary perspective on the Union, its institutions, and the enlargement process. It is particularly significant for popularising the enlargement as a topic not widely known among ordinary EU citizens. The book is also very timely, arriving as the region enters a new phase of enlargement. As President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen stated, the enlargement comes as a call of history. The entry of the region into the EU has become not only an economic or political imperative but also a moral one,” said Ambassador of the EU to Montenegro, Johann Sattler.

Menasse highlighted the occasion of the event, pointing out that a discussion on the enlargement suits the post-national context, in which Austria’s National Day can even be celebrated with Italian music.

“We must constantly talk about the fundamental idea that seventy years ago we began building common laws and institutions to overcome nationalism. This idea has evolved, but contradictions remain visible–we have a common currency, yet not a common economic policy. Occasional economic crises are precisely the result of these contradictions,” said Menasse.

The discussion with the audience enriched the event further. Menasse answered many questions about identity, politics, and the role of literature in society, encouraging attendees to reflect more deeply on the significance of the European idea in today’s world.