Reading at the Historic Town Hall: "Reaching for the stars - the history of the EU"

Shortly before the start of the Europe Weeks (1 to 31 May 2025), the well-known journalist Dr Christoph Driessen will read from his book "Griff nach den Sternen" on 29 April from 18:30 in the Historischer Ratssaal in Bocholt. Guests can expect an entertaining reading on the history of the European Union. Afterwards, the journalist and author will be available to answer questions. The event is free of charge, including drinks. Registrations are accepted by the VHS Bocholt.

Christoph Driessen holds a doctorate in history. The child of a Dutch father and a German mother, he grew up in Oberhausen. As a foreign correspondent for the German Press Agency (dpa), Driessen lived in The Hague for six years from 1993, then in London and New York. He has been head of the dpa's Cologne office since 2006. His books include "History of the Netherlands - From Maritime Power to Trendy Country", "Rembrandt and the Women" and a novel set in the Netherlands in the 17th century: "The Nutmeg Princess". He also published a book on Belgium in 2023 "History of Belgium: The Divided Nation". The book "Reaching for the Stars - The History of the European Union" was published in 2024.

The content

Writing the history of the European Union and its institutional structure in a relaxed and entertaining way. Isn't that a contradiction in terms? Not for Christoph Driessen. He approaches the seemingly dry and bureaucratic subject matter of the history of European integration with a wink and an eye for seemingly insignificant details. Who would have thought, for example, that Winston Churchill, of all people, was a British Conservative who sought a United States of Europe after the Second World War? With Christoph Driessen, participants experience the history of the EU in a new way: to share in the excitement and tell the story.

If you are interested, you can purchase a signed copy of the book.

Co-operation partner

The event takes place in the context of the German-Dutch Border Talks. Everyone is welcome. The city of Bocholt, EUROPE DIRECT Bocholt and the municipality of Aalten are co-operating.

To register

For better planning, the organisers ask you to register on the VHS homepage: vhs-bocholt.de, by e-mail at vhs(at)bocholt(dot)de or by telephone: (02871) 953-2277, quoting the course number BT1105. EUROPE DIRECT Bocholt can also answer questions at europe-direct(at)bocholt(dot)de

About the EUROPE DIRECT Bocholt

EUROPE DIRECT Bocholt is part of the mayor's office of the city of Bocholt and is the local contact point for questions relating to the European Union. Its task is to provide local citizens with information, advice, help and answers to questions about Europe. In addition, EUROPE DIRECT Bocholt aims to promote European involvement and provide information on current European political events.