25 March 2025

A Book Talk: “A More Perfect Union” with Joshua Livestro and Marius Vaščega

The Martynas Mažvydas National Library of Lithuania invites you to a book talk featuring Joshua Livestro, Dutch columnist and political writer, and Marius Vaščega, Head of the European Commission’s Representation in Lithuania. Andžej Pukšto, Associate Professor at Vytautas Magnus University, will moderate the discussion.

About the Event

How did the idea of European federalism emerge? What lessons can be drawn from history in order to understand today’s European Union? The book A More Perfect Union traces the evolution of federal union from the Renaissance to the formation of the European Coal and Steel Community in 1951, the foundation of today’s EU.

The event is a unique opportunity to gain deeper insight into the political, intellectual, and historical forces that shaped European integration. During the book talk, the leading experts will address key questions about European identity, governance, and the future of the EU.

During the event, Joshua Livestro will share his thoughts on federal realism, exploring the practical lessons that history offers on federal unions. Using examples from the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth, as well as other historical federative projects, Livestro will discuss both the success and failures of past federal models. His talk will provide important warnings and useful takeaways for modern-day European integration, offering a critical perspective on the challenges of governance, sovereignty, and unity.

About the Book

A More Perfect Union is a comprehensive historical study of federalism in Europe. Livestro explores how thinkers, leaders, and visionaries—from Machiavelli to Monnet—have proposed federal unions as a means to secure peace, stability, and prosperity. While the formation of the EU was never inevitable, the book argues that it was a logical and even predictable step in Europe’s historical trajectory.

Experts have praised the book as a masterful and thought-provoking work on European history and federalism:

“Livestro’s book brims with incisive insights into the long story of ‘federal union’ in Europe and the Atlantic.” – Martin van Gelderen, University of Göttingen.

“A beautiful, wholly original study of five hundred years of European history which shows the strong, and ever closer, bond between the peoples of Europe.”“ – Catherine de Vries, Bocconi University.

About the Participants:

Joshua Livestro is a political writer and columnist who has worked as an advisor in London, Brussels and The Hague. His work has appeared in The Wall Street Journal, Politico, and NRC Handelsblad.

Marius Vaščega is a Lithuanian lawyer and economist who has held key positions within EU institutions. Currently, he serves as Head of the European Commission’s Representation in Lithuania.

Andžej Pukšto is Associate Professor at Vytautas Magnus University’s Department of Political Science. A respected scholar and commentator on European politics and history, Pukšto specializes in international relations, historical federalism, and European integration. His expertise in political thought and governance will provide valuable context, ensuring a lively and stimulating debate.

The event will be in English.

Join a fascinating discussion on the history and future of European unity!

In brief

Date

April 8th, 2025

Time

5:30 PM

Place

National Library’s Statehood Space, 2nd floor

Attendance

free

Important

the event may be photographed and/or filmed

More information

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