The vast Soviet empire exited the historical stage without a single shot being fired. This anniversary should have provided ample reason for a heated debate about the successes and failures of German reunification and for offering a vision for Germany and Europe for the next 20 years.
20年前柏林墙倒塌引起翻天覆地的变化，原有联邦德国和西欧的边界线整体向东推进了数百英里。苏联帝国兵不血刃地退出了历史舞台。值此纪念日，我们有充分的理由热烈讨论德国重新统一的成败，并制定今后20年内德国和欧洲的目标。