Re-building Europe from the bottom up: Europe Works for London

Abstract

This paper reports on an EC-funded communications project (Europe Works for London) that asked participants, through film and discussion, to reflect on their experience of European funding. Generally positive responses to the impacts of European Union programmes were recorded, and also to what were defined as the values and broader purposes of the European Union. The description of the project is preceded by a brief review of recent political developments in the European Union, including developments leading to the imminent ‘in-out’ referendum on the UK’s membership. It is concluded that to sustain the legitimacy of the European Union’s institutions, innovations in communications are required that can accommodate citizen-driven dialogue. Civil society is the key conduit through which understandings are communicated and participation in civil society is how new political identities are constructed. European Union funding should continue to support community activism in which the key values supporting European integration are demonstrated through practical actions yielding tangible benefits.