From November 18 to 21, 2025, the University of Reunion Island will be celebrating Franco-German culture. A series of conferences, roundtables, and exhibitions will explore the shared memories of France, Germany, and Reunion Island, on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War and the 35th anniversary of German reunification.

Context

In a context marked by new geopolitical uncertainties and the return of war to Europe, the question of conflict management and peacebuilding takes on a particular dimension. What lessons can be drawn from a critical reflection on the past—especially on the history of Franco-German conflict? Drawing on research conducted in Réunion, particularly on the colonial past, this reflection on Franco-German memories is enriched by an original overseas perspective.
This interdisciplinary week of dialogue will bring together Germanists, historians, sociologists, art historians and literature specialists to explore the mechanisms of transmission, recognition and reappropriation of the past, through archives, testimonies and innovative digital tools.

Program

To view the full schedule for the week: http://t.univ-reunion.fr/4578

The following events are open to the public, upon registration:

● Tuesday, November 18, 2025 (8:30 a.m.–17:30 p.m.), Faculty of Arts and Humanities, Moufia Campus.
Study day “Photography and memory: telling stories, rereading history”
Program and registration: http://t.univ-reunion.fr/4463

● Wednesday, November 19, 2025, starting at 18 p.m., Departmental Council Chamber, Palais de la Source
Roundtable discussion: “History and Memory: Justice, Reparation, Reconciliation”
Program and registration: http://t.univ-reunion.fr/4464 (limited places)

● Friday, November 21, 2025 (9am–11am), bioclimatic amphitheater (amphi 550), Moufia Campus.
Educational morning session: "History and memory(ies) of the Berlin Wall in France"
Program and registration: http://t.univ-reunion.fr/4465

Throughout the week, the exhibition "From the Peaceful Revolution to German Unity (1989–1990)" will be on display at SCAN (Faculty of Arts, Moufia Campus) from November 17 to 28, 2025. A presentation led by German studies students will take place on Thursday, November 20 at 12:30 p.m.
Register for a guided tour: http://t.univ-reunion.fr/4552

Partners and supporters
These events are organised with the support of the Franco-German Citizens' Fund, the Franco-German University (UFA-DFH) and the European Erasmus+ programme.

Partners: Department of La Réunion, Historical Iconographic Library of the Indian Ocean, Franco-German Youth Office (OFAJ-DFJW), Association of Friends of German Culture in La Réunion (ACAR), Ruhr-Universität Bochum, University Paris 1, CNRS, University of Lorraine.