Treading in the footsteps of history

EU lawmakers said they want the 6,800km route to preserve the memory of the continent's division, and celebrate the reunification of Europe.

The trail would start at the Arctic Sea and lead along Finland's border with Russia, through the Baltic States and Poland to Germany. It would continue along the Austrian border with the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary, and along the Danube to the Black Sea. The proposal is partly inspired by the Berlin Wall Trail, a 160km route that shadows the wall that divided the German capital during the Cold War.

"We want to transform the idea of the Berlin Wall Trail to the European level. The path would boost eco-tourism across Europe," Green MEP Michael Cramer said. He added that 12 countries already had pledged support for the idea and agreed to co-finance the route. (Associated Press)