At the latest since the Enlightenment in Europe, the concept of freedom has been of enormous importance to European identity. But the promise that this term held for a long time has apparently lost its charisma. How shall we deal with this state of affairs? How shall we reconcile awareness of tradition and self-determination? How can permeable borders be reconciled with secure coexistence? Is peace freedom enough when one has emerged from war? Is capitalism freedom if one has previously undergone socialism? Eight European authors endeavour to provide narrative answers to these questions.