Brexit: What does this mean for Mini-Europe?


British monuments at Mini-Europe are a great symbol of the UK's European heritage and our shared EU values, says Thierry Meeùs​, director of Mini-Europe.

Houses of Parliament at Mini-Europe | Photo credit: Press Association

By Thierry Meeùs

24 Jun 2016


Will Mini-Europe have to take down its beautiful miniature British monuments, especially the beautiful houses of Parliament that have just been renovated following one year of intensive work? These monuments send out so many European messages.

The houses of Parliament are a good symbol of Britain's very old democracy, especially as the two chambers have since been copied by many other democracies.

What would European culture be without Shakespeare, whose house we built in Mini-Europe, as well as that of his wife? Or without architects like John Wood, father and son, and their Crescent and Circus in Bath?

Are the Brits really that different from the rest of Europe? In the coming months, we will set up a special Viking-themed installation around Dover Castle. But aren't the Angle and Saxe tribes from northern Germany? Didn't people from the north invade and rule England? Was it not the Normans who ruled France and connected the two counties? And, the Victoria tower is a reminder of British royalty's German origins.

We share a history. At Mini-Europe, British soldiers lay in St Symphorien cemetery alongside German soldiers. Together, we are stronger. Individualism and nationalism can be very destructive. 

We would miss these symbols and messages at Mini-Europe, although we have yet to decide whether we will withdraw them from the park or keep them with a sign that reads, "you are leaving the EU".

The EU is the only way to take on the future. Europe accounts for less than seven per cent of the world population and 15 per cent of the world economy. United, we are better able to upkeep our model of democracy and wellbeing.

The EU's style of democracy is elaborate and complex, just like our complex world. Of course, this needs to be explained to people, as do the benefits of the EU. We need people, including politicians, to promote the reasons to work together. We must have a think about what we want to achieve together, and what values we want to uphold.

Mini-Europe is just Mini-Europe, but we are ready to play our part in taking on this challenge.