Europe has been thrown into sharp relief by the impact of a devastating pandemic. As country after country succumbs to the contemporary plague, deeply buried memories of death and destruction resurface.

But Europe has emerged from devastation before, and become stronger and more connected. A year ago French president Emmanuel Macron declared that Europe must be understood as a project – a vision of the best sort of global community. Although the COVID-19 crisis has profoundly challenged the idea of Europe as interconnected, and as accessible to Australia, the rich exchange between peoples and continents will eventually resume.

Griffith Review 69: The European Exchange explores the deep and complex relationships between Europe and Australia and shows how Australians of many backgrounds have contributed to a long-standing dialogue that enriches both continents.

In coming months both Europe and Australia will have much to learn from each other as the overwhelming pain of loss from COVID-19 gives way to a new reality in which diverse cultures work together to create a richer and more resilient globe.

Contributors include: Christos Tsiolkas, Robyn Archer, Julienne van Loon, Mat Schulz, Sanja Grozdanic, John Armstrong, Gabriella Coslovich, Christian Thompson, Hans van Leeuwen, Eugen Yiu Nam Cheung, Stuart Ward, Susan Varga, George Megalogenis, Anna Haebich, Anthony Macris, Jaya Savige, Tim Bonyhady, Irris Makler, Michael Cooney, David Morris and Natasha Cica.

This edition is published in partnership with the Australian National University.