We, the Central and Eastern European residents of the Carpathian Basin, have in the course of centuries, experienced the joys of togetherness and cooperation, as well as the bitterness of hostility and divisiveness. The national borders in the area, often in a state of flux over the centuries, resulted, by the end of the twentieth century, in seven national entities. Of these, Hungary, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia have become part of the European Union, and while preserving their national identities, started dismantling the borders between them.

While we generally experience constantly improving relationships, we find, on occasion, serious tensions developing. Mutual understanding is made more difficult by the fact that we are not familiar enough with, nor give due acknowledgement to, each other’s histories and cultures. The overtures toward reconciliation are also impeded by the presence of extremist parties hoping to garner votes by generating hostilities towards neighboring nations. Their success is rooted in the deep wounds of the past. The 21st century however requires a different approach.

• Recognizing that national interests can be achieved more successfully if we support each other rather than fighting one another;
• Acknowledging that especially within the European Union we are dependent on each other;
• Realizing that certain political parties do block the attempts at cooperation among peoples;
• Noting the fact that the governments have had limited success in building good relationships amongst the nations in the area;

we realised that the reconciliation among the Central Eastern European nations, which is of utmost importance to all of us in the 21st century, can only be expected to come about through the efforts of individuals, civic and social organisations and the churches.

Driven by this important realization, we initiate the establishment of a Movement of Reconciliation. Anyone can join the movement who:

• knows that it is only to the advantage of his/her homeland if the area is loved by others as well,
• is open to acknowledging and respecting the values of other nations,
• rejects all hatefulness
• is ready to familiarise himself/herself with the history, culture, occasionally even the language of the neighbouring people.

The Movement of Reconciliation is more a form of behaviour, an attitude of life rather than an organisation that can be joined via signing this declaration.

We, the initiators of the Movement of Reconciliation, coming from seven different countries, are aware of our responsibility towards future generations. Therefore we choose reconciliation with each other instead of hostility. We each remain attached to our mother tongue, history, culture. Our purpose is not the elimination of the differences between us, but their acceptance and appreciation. We hope that more and more people will come to the conclusion: helping each other we will become stronger, fighting each other will be relegate us all to the outer edge of European civilization.

Nagymegyer, 24/10/2010

Signatories: