Abstract
In this paper, an argument is developed in favour of further integration of “Europe” and, most importantly, its increased “politicization”. It is not based on any romantic or idealistic vision of a positive European cultural identity, but on an assessment of Europe's reality as already integrated economically, socially and ecologically, however lagging behind politically in terms of democratic government and citizenship. The seemingly endless discussions about Europe's identity, limit, unity, civilization, etc. are not a problem that is yet to be solved, but are, precisely, the core of what makes Europe what it is: a plurality in unity instead of a “unity in plurality”, as one of the official slogans of the European Union (EU) has it. Current social, economic and environmental problems require European solutions as well as a more active European citizenship. However, European civil identity that is to match European societal reality, will not be a unitary and homogeneous identity, but heterogeneous and diverse, covering a plurality of perceptions, preferences and ideals ‐ it will be plural, not as a first step towards unity, but in its core; and it will be divided, but not along national lines.
Highlights
If “we”1 are to judge by printed and televised media, citizens of many European countries have become more “euro-sceptic” and perhaps even “euro-phobic” over the last couple of years
The Dutch and French “no” to a constitutional treaty has been followed by an Irish “no”, and the attempts by the French president, Nicolas Sarkozy, to compensate Czech EU presidency by a stronger financial policy show a lack of political will to “go for Europe”.The recent Eastward and Southward enlargement – the Baltic states, Romania and Bulgaria, Cyprus, Malta, Slovenia – is experienced by many as a form of “expansion”; relatively recent member-states such as Poland, Czech Republic and Hungary have lost much of their initial enthusiasm, and many people in established EU member-states fear the free flow of labour force from the new member states, not to mention the dread associated with the leaky walls of “fortress Europe”
It does make sense to ask, for example, how far Europe extends culturally or “civilizationally”; it does make sense to relate this question to such questions as to whether Turkey, Tunisia or Ukraine should or should not at some point be accepted as members; and it does make sense to link this question to a discussion about the parameters of European identity
Summary
If “we” are to judge by printed and televised media, citizens of many European countries have become more “euro-sceptic” and perhaps even “euro-phobic” over the last couple of years. The EU seems to be experienced, by many, though certainly not all, as an inevitable phenomenon that is at best convenient, but does not generate any warm sentiments: at the level of political passions, Europe is lukewarm at best2 Contrary to these apparent tendencies, I want to develop in this paper an argument in favour of a gradual further integration of “Europe” and, most of all, in favour of an increased “politicization”. The inspiration will contribute, I hope, to an extension and intensification of the “we” referred to in the first sentence of this introduction; the realism will, preferably, make this “we” more influential – even if I do not think that it is up to me, as a political philosopher, to seek direct political influence
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
