Description
Book SynopsisThe book addresses contemporary developments in European identity politics as part of a larger historical trajectory of a common European identity based on the idea of 'solidarity.' The authors explain the special sense in which Europeans perceive their obligations to their less fortunate compatriots, to the new East European members, and to the world at large. An understanding of this notion of 'solidarity' is critical to understanding the specific European commitment to social justice and equality. The specificity of this term helps to distinguish between what the Germans call "social state" from the Anglo-Saxon, and particularly American, political and social system focused on capitalism and economic liberalism. This collection is the result of the work of an extremely distinguished group of scholars and politicians, invited by the previous President of the European Union, Romano Prodi, to reflect on some of the most important subjects affecting the future of Europe.
Trade Review"The argument about different narratives between the old and the new members is nicely illustrated by some of the comments... Lech Kaczynski (now president of Poland and new enfant terible of the European Union) and Jan Rokita provide examples for the eastern narrative. To a certain extent, this books tells us more about the actual political discussion and its shortcommings than about what holds Europe together." * Slavic Review *
Table of ContentsIntroduction: Krzysztof Michalski The Work of the Reflection Group on the Spiritual and Cultural Dimension of Europe Bronislaw Geremek (Warsaw) Thinkin about Europe as a Community Kurt Biedenkopf (Dresden) “United in Diversity”: What Holds Europe Together? Ernst-Wolfgang Böckenförde (Freiburg) Conditions for European Solidarity Heather Grabbe (London) What Hope for Solidarity in the Enlarged Union? Janos Matyas Kovacs (Vienna / Budapest) Between Resentment and Indifference—Narratives of Solidarity in the Enlarging Union Jacques Rupnik (Paris) The European Union’s Enlargement to the East and Solidarity Kurt Biedenkopf, Bronislaw Geremek, Krzysztof Michalski and Michel Rocard What Holds Europe Together? Comments Samuel Abrahám Needed but Uncertain Cohesion Giuliano Amato On the Spiritual and Cultural Dimension of Europe Rainer Bauböck Intersecting and overlapping European cultures Ján Čarnogurský It is Necessary to Believe in Europe Ute Frevert Does Europe need a cultural identity? Ten critical remarks
