European Songbook

The "European Songbook" is a collection of songs that artists from Europe associate with our continent, and that have played a role in their lives. They tell us why a certain song has special meaning to them. A songbook, that stands for cultural Europe`s unifying power.

This song I associate with Europe

Knud Romer, Denmark
Roxy Music: Song for Europe

Knud Romer grew up in the dark Danish province during the Cold War. His only window to Europe: the radio. Between marching music, news and espionage codes, one song stood out and opened up a new perspective for him.

Árpád Kun, Hungary
Georges Brassens: Don Juan

Árpád Kun chose the song Don Juan by the French singer-songwriter Georges Brassens, which for him stands for deviation from norms, for freedom and independence.

Mia Gallagher, Ireland
David Bowie: Heroes

Mia Gallagher reflects with David Bowie’s "Heroes" on the past and present of Europe - and on the possibility of heroism today.

Ivana Sajko, Croatia
XTC: Complicated game

Author and dramaturge Ivana Sajko sees "Complicated Game" as a song about the senselessness of decisions, which at the same time makes an appeal to us all.

André Wilkens, Germany
The Clash: Should I stay or should I go

For André Wilkens "Should I stay or should I go" is the soundtrack for Brexit. In his contribution to the European Songbook, the director of the European Cultural Foundation pleads above all for one thing: Let's remain friends.

Mata Kastrisiou, Greece
Giorgos Romanos: The Irishman and the Judean

Europe’s beauty springs from the spikes, the trauma and the memory that every country carries, finds Mata Kastrisiou, and introduces this allegorical song.

The Songbook on Spotify

On Spotify you can listen to the songs of the European Songbook, all combined in one playlist.

Listen now!

Pavel Klusák, Czech Republic
Scott Walker: The Electrician

Whenever Pavel Klusák hears the song "The Electrician", he wanders in a space between two borders. At this place he finds dark secrets but also clear messages: And these are the ones he longs for most.

Quinsy Gario, Netherlands
“Zwart Licht featuring Ray Fuego” : Black Dutchmen

Quinsy Gario had a hard time choosing his song. With „Zwarte Licht" he decided on a strong song, which highlights the expectations of black men.

Sol Heilo, Norway
Sol Heilo: London is trouble

Inspired by the British capital, Sol Heilo wrote „London is Trouble" on her tour through Europe. With the song the Norwegian singer shows that that the bad times are as much a part of life as the good ones.

Géraldine Schwarz, France
Pink Floyd, The Wall

We Europeans have come a long way. Our memories and dreams are fragmented and sometimes contradictory, but within this diversity, there is a depth of shared experience. During a overnight coach journey to Berlin Géraldine Schwarz listens to the song The Wall by Pink Floyd.