The Problem of Multiculturalism in the Countries of East-Central Europe

Abstract

The article addresses the question of the possibility of the development of a multicultural andmulti-religious society in East-Central Europe. What prevents such a process is the limited receptionof the Enlightenment in the region, the fundamental role of religion in defending national identities,and the delayed opening to otherness in comparison with the countries of the West. Present-daydynamic changes in all spheres of life – from demography, through politics, to technology – andthe concomitant reactive policies with regard to the problem of immigration are also far fromconducive to such a possibility. The primary solution is the development of long-term educationalprogrammes aiming at a redefi nition of a multicultural society.