Globalisation vs Europeanisation

Front matter

Globalisation vs Europeanisation

A Human-centric Interaction

Léonce BEKEMANS cer T IH

Chapter 3. TnitrOCuctroni ANET chase 63

I. Concept of Identity seerne eira isinna AAEE E AEAEE 63

1: Europe or eUhure Ss en ates ee 65 2. Europe of citi ioe hese en Gh eee Ge ete Gees 66

IV. Process of European Identity-building «0.0.0.0... cece ceeeceeseeseeeeeeeeeees 67

Chapter 4. Europe’s Challenges and Responsibilities

Introduction ssie i e E EEE EA E E 75

I. Historical Context: Europe at the Crossroads

II. Challenges to the European Model

PeiGlobalisationis:sccsce2ctsie A AATA TAT 77 3. Identity and specificity u eree a aE ar 80 Ae LAOT a ec, EE T cous She Messeeteads 81 SA ee! Ce) 0] 0001 deme Pe E ee A A 82

1; Quest for meaning oei a a E A E alanine 83 3. Europe’s responsibility at global level 0.0... ceeeeceeseeseeseeeeeeeeeees 85

Conclusion nasema a a a a eet ti ee 85

PARTII

RENEWING THE CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK FOR EUROPE’S FUTURE

Chapter 5. Sustainable Statehood: a Human-centric

Introduction irene hele eel hate et teeter nes 89 I. The Changing International Context:

1. Changing setting: multilateralism and multipolar

3. The EU as an international reference Ora Model OF SOCLELY” rra E oleae ewe nek: 94 4. The way forward for the EU oo... cece ccccecccsseesceesseeeseeeseesseeeseenes 95

II. Conceptual Content: Sustainable Statehood

of Human-centric EU Governance 00... .ceeceecesceeceeseeseeseeeeeeeeeseeseeeeneens 97

COnClUSIONS vii v5:-sce.nte.ccscs8s cdettd heeded sactatlec E a E E Be 103 2. States as derived entities 0.0... ecesesceeeeceeseeseceeceseeseeseeneeeeeeaees 104

Chapter 6. A Cosmopolitan Perspective

I. Cosmopolitanism and Post-modernity

2. Cosmopolite FITO cerre force Gerla lariat eel roe aie 121 3. Cosmopolitan perspective of the European integration

Chapter 7

I. Conceptual Context: Rethinking the Definition of Public Goods .... 133 2, A Policy aSséSsMent seinare det il dn i ele 137

1. Understanding global public goods:

The Changing Content of European Studies: Introductio Nessin nin noae ea R ESE 155 II. Conceptual Guidelines for Strengthening, 1. The Jean Monnet Programme of the EU „s.s 161 2. The Interdepartmental Centre on Human Rights Conclusion sinha rnio aenean ee E e a E E AEAT 166 1. Policy iIMpact...ssinoeissersisisonsnisieieoesiseinioninseinisisononisrsininsasesnisrsinse 166 3:.POSSIDIE:trajeCtOLes:. ssc. c.sc0:ise.eses:se0b tens eeastans sei taneseeeste rrii 168 Part IH POLICY AREAS OF EUROPEAN HUMAN-CENTRIC DEVELOPMENT Chapter 9.

THIFOGUCHONs. 5. sc.cscss.scesecensdesesussdeteteh -ackegeyrdvtoseeneabete senesnis i rsi 173 I. Context: EU Foreign Policy: a European and Global Commitment 00.0.0... ccecesseeseeeeeeeseeseeeeeecseeseeeceeeeeeseeaeeeeees 173 II. The Lisbon Treaty and the EU Foreign Policy: Changes atid Perspectives, .2itestacttascaatives daaytel eatin eae eae edie ne! 180

2. Institutional reforms snenie a 180 4. The EU External Trade Policy eusen 188 6. Humanitarian Aid... cecescesceeccecceseeeceeeeeeeseeaeeeeeeeeeseeseeeeeeaees 189 Conclusions nes ei A disse each lieu E E E N E 196 Chapter 10.

TntrOCUCHION PEPEE A E EE O TOTA A 197 I. Conceptual Debate sesconnsii dii ae 197 PGlobalisationy.7:.dis.05 3. AE EE A AT TA 197 PUD AnS 28 E E E E E T 198 Ts, Legal EET a E e EE E vases Gicdeseeeasesdteaderess 204 2. P TOETATE anari N N 205 IASS a a N A A A 207 Chapter 11.

Intercultural Dialogue for Cultural Diversity... 209 Tttoduction issc eea iae naie ss iaa ioiai isk 209 J. General Context iisen inei iiei ai as iiai 209 1. Cultural divers Hyera a a 209 4. National approaches to intercultural dialogue... 215 5. Sector approaches sisa a E R T R 216 TL TINAUNES COs eaa e e E caee tenn haa Pee 218 2. Counetl Of Europe sive vee2 2 eescner leet ei eae eae ern et 224 3. European: Umon a a oie seh eeeicn See eae 230 4. Intercultural cities: a good practice

2. Europe’s responsibility to favour a dialogue 3. Human rights paradigm: the basic point of departure for intercultural dialogue... ecceeeseeseeseeeceeseeseeseeeeeeseeseeteeneeeaees 238 4, From policy to practice ennot ei n E a E a 239 Conclüsion saine irn E a ected cde E a REA 240 1. Intercultural dialogue and identity 00.0... ec eceeeeseeseeseeeeeeeeeeees 240 2. Intercultural dialogue and citizenship: universal basis, 3. Intercultural dialogue and democracy: major challenges 4. The structural/institutional setting for intercultural dialogue: Chapter 12.

Citizenship-building in EU 000.00... cece ceceeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeneeees 245 Introductions csciavisccseastherediea ati alee eA ieee NE 245 2. Challenges to the nation-state and the citizenship equivalent to nationality «0.0.0.0... eceeeeeeeeerees 246 3. Emergence of a European identity 0.0.0... ecesceeeseeseeseeeeeeeeeeees 257 Conclusion Senos En NEN l eet ee ee 259 1. Conceptual guidelines 2.0.0... cccceceesceseeseeeececeeseeeeeeeeeseeaeeeeeneeesees 259 Chapter 13.

3. Citizenship education: education to active

12 The: 16 Sal, Basis 2 soria e tea E te 275

2. Overview of the European lifelong learning agenda

2. Policy suggestions isarap aenar 285 Chapter 14.

Territorial Cooperation and Multi-level Governance.

3. Multi-level governance and the European integration process ..293

5. Multi-level/multi-actor governance and urban realities:

a promising city practice oo... ee eeeeeeseeseeseeeeeeeeeeeeceeeeseeseeeeeeeeesees 295 II. The Committee of the Regions: Principles and Practices

1. Political lines Of action 2... eeeeeeeceeeeeeseeceeeseeeseeseeeeeeseeaeeeeeeeees 297

3. The Ateliers of the CoR:

strengthening the multi-level governance approach... 301

4. Scoreboard for monitoring multi-level governance

5. Towards an EU multi-level governance charter:

a COllaborative PLOCESS iurent EE E ET 302 (Eo aTe LETI T) a NAAA EAA EEE 304 Chapter 15.

Building “Urban civitas”

Introductions: aie te iti A E A A EA a 305

2. Recognising multiple faced identities

5. Stimulating intercultural dialogue... eceeeeeeseeseeteeeeeeeeeeees 1. The urban Context... henan e ehn 2. Urban challenges inosensia eenn aaia 3. Urban opportunities ncnian aa Ill. Intercultural Dialogue Practices: CONCIUSION fieier8ei nonen ninna tein deine petite tava hlesenees Chapter 16.

Learning Experiences of Participative and Deliberative Democracy... cece ceeeeesceseeeeeeeeeseeeeeeeeeeeaes Wntroduction sineira sieri enin iienaa I. Development of a European Public Sphere in Participatory,

II. Formal and Informal Learning Experiences

1. The European Movement: a bottom-up approach shaped by

2. The College of Europe: a unique higher learning institute On European affairs niaii terar EE E

3. Ryckevelde: a locally based and citizens’ oriented European

CONCIUSION e352. Stree ash E E E AE

Author’s Note

What is Europe’s relevance today? What is its cultural heritage, its values and norms, its societal mode and economic structure? The answers to these fundamental questions will shape both Europe’s future and the building of future European societies. Is Europe still an inspiring idea(l) of a value-driven society, worthwhile of pursuit? Will Europe survive the global competition? Themes such as the frontiers of Europe, European citizenship, cultural diversity and the role and purpose of Europe in a global perspective all require a human-centred vision of what Europe is and should be.

In today’s multi-faceted and multi-layered globalisation era, the EU is in need of a revisited political project and a common long-term (inspiring) vision, to counterbalance the increasing influence of national interests on European policy-making, at the expense of the “European commons”. There is a danger today that the Union, faced with the growing frustration, criticism and indifference of its citizens, could become a mere union of economic interests, detached from its very nature and identity, i.e. a community of opportunities and shared values. The undermining of these fundamentals could negatively influence Europe’s economic, social and ecological welfare and finally lead to its marginalisation in the era of globalisation.

A Europe of authentic and open dialogue, both internally and externally defined, in which cultures are perceived as constructive binding forces within and beyond societies, can provide a solution for Europe’s future in the emerging global landscape. It is only through strengthening the bonds of participation and cooperation in exploring innovative solutions to its many challenges, and humanising the relationships between living, working and learning together, that Europe will succeed.

Still we believe that Europe’s flexible, communitarian model of society, business and citizenship is best suited to the challenges of the 21st century. Europe is ideally positioned between the pronounced individualism of America and the strong collectivism of Asia to lead the world into the new age. Europe can be a living laboratory for examining the positive and negative consequences of globalisation, in a genuine dialogue of mutual respect, i.e. by adopting a human-centric point of departure, as embodied in the idea of “homo Europaeus”. Europe can create a global public square, characterised by unity in diversity, where peoples can live together with a common vision of inclusion, sustainable development, universal human rights and genuine peacebuilding. It is the only way to survive as an economic, social and political macro region while keeping and strengthening its own identity and value system. Courage, inspiration and involvement are needed to make this renewed European dream true and to revitalise the sense of the European construction, which is based on a cultural, inspirational and moral heritage.

I wish to thank the students who have followed my courses throughout the years at various European universities, especially those who took my courses in the framework of my Jean Monnet Chair at the University of Padua. They were a continuous source of motivation and feedback. Also my own trajectory, much characterised by the ongoing exchange and interaction of teaching and research, conversations and meetings throughout Europe and beyond, bridging concepts with differentiated realities and transmitting commitment and ideas for Europe’s future within a globalising context, has resulted in a fruitful process of lifelong mutual learning. It gave ample satisfaction and content strength for practising change and building responsible citizenship in a value driven and trustworthy path towards Europe’s future destiny.

I do hope the content of the book serves its purpose, i.e. as a contribution to the learning of a comprehensive understanding from a human-centric perspective of the issues involved in the complex and intricate relations between globalisation and its consequences for the citizens of Europe.

Preface

Antonio PAPISCA

Professor Emeritus of the University of Padua, Jean Monnet Professor ad honorem, Chairholder Unesco Chair human rights, democracy and peace

The European Union’s governance capabilities are being increasingly challenged by the tentacular dynamics of the process of globalisation. Its first response lies in recovering the collective awareness that the EU is an original model of governance, able to set an example to the entire world, as a system specialised in pursuing objectives of both social peace within its borders and international peace, using the resources which nourish the soft power of a macro civil actor.

Among the several resources available to the EU, it is worth underlining the vision of economy as a social market economy oriented to full occupation, the practice of the internal and external “dialogues” of the Union (social dialogue, civil dialogue, intercultural dialogue, political dialogues with third countries), the valorisation of the role of local governments as well as of the “platforms” of civil society organisations, with particular attention to be paid to the architecture of subsidiarity. Moreover, the fact that the EU has broadened the practice of democracy within its borders, both representative and participatory, and the fact that it has introduced the “human rights clause” into all its agreements signed with third countries is certainly indicative, inter alia, of its ability to “lead by example”.

With the Lisbon Treaty, which assigns fully binding legal character to the Charter of Fundamental Rights proclaimed in Nice in 2000, the whole system of the Union is marked with the seal of “constitutionality”, summarised in the triad “rule of law, human rights, and democratic principles”. The Charter of Fundamental Rights itself presents elements of originality within the typology of international human rights legal instruments: it includes both civil and political rights and economic, social and cultural rights, with a logical reference to the principle of their interdependence and indivisibility. Therefore, the Charter also provides an explicit legal basis for a social market economy; in other words, it compels the Union to authentically be a “Social Europe”.

Léonce Bekemans plans his explorative journey through the thematic galaxy of globalisation and the interactions existing between the processual and institutional reality of Europeanisation, proving himself capable of building a systematic analytical scheme allowing him to avail himself of conceptual categories located in the most advanced frontier of international and European studies: multi-level governance, plural citizenship, multiple identities, sustainable statehood, humancentrism.

Throughout this stimulating analytical journey, he accompanies his scientific exploration with a compass that allows him to evaluate processes and institutions against the yardstick of universal ethics. This is the compass of human rights, recognised at both the global and European levels. This is empirical evidence that neither political science nor international relations scholars can ignore. One only has to recall that reference to a paradigm based on values is indispensable for an action — and policy — oriented type of analysis, such as the one carried out by Bekemans. Far from invalidating the scientific accuracy of this analysis, a wise usage of this compass, beyond conferring an added quality value, allows the author to give the reader a glimpse of the new challenges and opportunities available for the same work of theorisation: hence, the also heuristic utility of this book.

Léonce Bekemans’s preoccupation with good governance and with the example that the European Union is urged to set in this field, brings him to make strongly relevant the quality of political culture and, therefore, the strategic role of human rights-based education, with a view to training new generations of citizens and leaders so that they are disposed_to pursue common good objectives, such as intercultural dialogue in respect of diversity, and the affirmation of equal citizenship rights in inclusive cities and in an inclusive Europe. The message for the European Union is that it needs to make its educational policy more systematic and turn it into a quality education more marked by human rights than by market demands.

Léonce Bekemans, both in his vocation and as a result of his life experience in a space that is authentically glocal and multi-dimensional, is an educator capable of translating his vast scientific knowledge through publications that are, at the same time, useful to both decision-makers and students. This current volume, which is structured as a compendium of systematically undertaken reflections and as a strategic agenda for European Union policies, will be particularly appreciated by those who want to see what opportunities might emerge around the corner for human development and human security in Europe and, beyond Europe, in the world.

Preface

Luc VAN DEN BRANDE

Former Minister-president of Flanders, Belgium, Former President of the Committee of the Regions, European Union

The European movement, which was formed after the Second World War, was built upon the conviction that sustainable peace on our continent was only possible if cooperation replaced the confrontations between nation-states that has led to so much human devaluation and destruction in previous centuries.

The founders of the current political European Union recognised that Europe’s future was to be rooted in partnership; however, they could not avoid the fact that the scars of the geographical and subsequently democratic re-allocation of the past, would lead to a Cold War which, until the fall of the Berlin Wall, would result in a worldwide bipolarity.

Simultaneously a second movement took shape and what neither religion nor the Enlightenment had been able to achieve, happened: the recognition of human rights as an individual and inalienable right. Despite how imperfect democracies may be, these fundamental rights have been enforced by the European Convention, and now have full European support.

Our world has since been profoundly changed. Multilevelness has replaced centralism. States and institutions have steadily lost their importance. Secularisation has progressed. Glocalism has replaced epicentrism. Citizens have become much more emancipated. New interconnections have emerged, stimulated by the powerful force of the media. Networking is dominating. Sustainability has become an integral part of economic activities and policies. The paradigm that only centrally governed processes and institutions can obtain results has been rendered outdated. Multilateralism, Multi-level Governance and Multi- Actorship have forcefully entered the academic and policy debate.

Not only has the global and European setting been drastically changed, but the interconnection of mutually influencing views and transformations is urging Europe to reflect on its future, its vision and its mission. Europe is at a crossroads, during a time when economic crisis is raging and young people have fewer perspectives. This particular crisis, along with other equally important others, are the consequence of the insecurities felt at numerous levels and illustrate a multiple lack of confidence. This increasing lack of confidence is being felt among people and in the face of structures and mechanisms that have long been inviolable, but are now slowly crumbling away.

All this has been understood by Prof. Dr. Léonce Bekemans. In this comprehensive work the genesis and subsequent slow construction of Europe has been sharply analysed and evaluated. His reflections depart from, rather uniquely, an interdisciplinary context, and go beyond the too often cherished and rigid partitions. Starting from integration, inclusion, diversity and governance he scientifically distances himself from the traditional conceptual framework and introduces new insights and actors to the enlarged and deepened playing field of global and European relations. He further applies this renewed conceptual framework to a number of crosscutting policy areas such as foreign relations, culture, and education with some interesting policy practices. The attention he devotes to the true significance of citizenship is striking, based on the importance of education and shaped by the changed context of multiculturalism towards interculturality. He adopts a cosmopolitan approach and focuses on the regional and territorial identity of the European integration process within the growing globalisation. This brings him to a renewed and applied conceptual framework for the future, a rich idea of a humanising and active “nova civitas”.

Not least is to his great merit that he does not limit himself to an indepth analysis and committed reflection, but he further suggests new paths and directions which may once more make Europe more attractive — not only for Europeans themselves but also for the world. Furthermore, his work is also a clear and innovative appeal and plea: a new future for Europe is only possible if it becomes “human-centric”. When all attention seems to go to organisational, rule-setting and institutional issues — regardless of their importance and necessity — it seems paradoxical to put the main emphasis on a human-centric perspective. But the real capital for cohesive and sustainable society building, not only for Europe, is the “human capital”.

This magnum opus is undoubtedly an important guideline to identifying and straightening out the existing deficits of Europe’s future, which the rest of the world is also confronted with. I call these the “Triple D-deficit” (delivery, democracy, and destiny).

A “human-centric” approach to the interaction between globalisation and Europeanisation can offer new content support to a participative, deliberative and inclusive democracy, at the global and European level,

Preface through a collaborative process driven by committed people and communities.

I am convinced that the “explorations” and proposals of Prof. Dr. Léonce Bekemans will find their way to many — academics and students, and people responsible for politics as well as a host of interested actors; in short, to all who believe in Europe as a project for the future.

Rationale

The ongoing and radical process of the transformation of European societies needs a proper contextualisation within a globalising, europeanising, regionalising and localising context. Questions about identity, citizenship, governance, borders, dialogue and human security are in need of proper answers. The EU’s role in the world is rooted in its very existence, as an emerging form of multi-lateral governance of national and local diversities towards increasing regional convergence at the European level. What matters is the consolidation of a complex set of common institutions and a mixed intergovernmental/supranational regime among its Member States, sharing several common interests, objectives, values and policies. The European integration process is to date the world’s most advanced post-national constellation of states. As such, it has become a laboratory for scholars and philosophers of political theory and international relations and those interested in studying and developing workable models of supranational and/or global and multi-level governance.

Europe is at the crossroads of its historical destiny, rooted in its past, present and future developments and is at a turning point with regards to its integration process. Its historical development shows a dynamic and evolving entity with many faces, multiple identities and diversified cooperation forms. The challenges are manifold both inside and outside of Europe. We are confronted with a number of (internal and external) challenges to the European model of socio-economic cohesion and cultural and regional diversity.

Still, Europe has a mission and a responsibility to the globalising world. It requires an inspiring narrative that responds to institutional governance structures, financing internal and external European solidarity and a vision that motivates the participation of its citizens. Today Europe has an appointment with its destiny. Its model of society, based on a fundamental set of human rights, culture as a vehicle of emancipation, on sustainable development and socio-economic cohesion, and on a multilateral vision of the world order, has been put under stress and pressure. In other words, we are experiencing a confrontation between Europe’s actual confusing (political, economic, cultural and institutional) reality and its global responsibility, in the context of an ever-increasing globalisation.

Foundation: In the fast changing global landscape, Europe is confronted with the preoccupation, but also with the moral responsibility, to maintain its own model of integration and diversity within a resolutely changing world system. This consists of the values, methods and capacity to deal with change processes, global commons and the integration of people in respect of their diversity. It implies that Europe should defend its values and principles of solidarity, tolerance and democracy in the limited but open dialogue between cultures and peoples within and outside Europe. It certainly requires in today’s world a change in mentality, a broad imagination and proactive thought and action from the outset. Finally, Europe’s future is to be founded on (political, economic, business and spiritual) leadership rooted in an education that focuses on learning responsibility at different levels of space and time.

Questions have to be asked about whether Europe, within a further unifying European economic space, can guarantee an acceptable common institutional basis in which states, regions and communities can live in their diversity (guarantee of internal solidarity) and whether Europe can offer an open societal model within the process of further globalisation (guarantee of external solidarity).

Challenge: The challenge for further European integration (and Europe’s survival) is the search for a new equilibrium between diversity and unity in a globalising world (universalism vs particularism). The European model should take into account the economic, historic, social and political changes that are taking place at the international level, but it must remain faithful to its principles of internal and external solidarity. “Repenser l’Europe” implies the recognition of a radical increase in the level of complexity within our societies, the further development of a multiple citizenship within multiple identities and the elaboration of multi-level governance.

Vision: We once more need an inspiring and mobilising vision, which can raise a renewed spirit and enthusiasm within the citizen. Furthermore, we must dare to recall the enthusiasm and faith in the European project that was embodied by the Founding Fathers of Europe. They wanted to guarantee a sustainable peace within the European borders and had a long-term vision as well as the pragmatic conviction to write a new chapter in the relations between European peoples and countries. Economic arguments supported the political goodwill. Therefore, Europe needs bridge-builders who can concretely complete the rhetoric of the European story, promote the European ideals of peace, unity in diversity, freedom and solidarity and mobilise young people towards the European model of society. The role of education is herein fundamental. In this model, new forms and places of dialogue, active citizenship and of cooperation, emerge outside of the existing institutionalised structures of representative representation. The European civil society becomes emancipated and develops opportunities in the globalising society through which persons, peoples and cultures within and outside Europe can meet peacefully and respectfully.

Historical lessons: The history of the European integration process shows that in the course of three generations, the EU developed, with both successes and failures, to a community of now 28 countries, all former enemies, with different histories and diverse expectations. Now a unique union of more than 500 million citizens exists, stretching out from the Irish Sea to the gates of Russia; this geographical area constitutes the first transnational political space, based on a community of shared values, which are both multiculturally and multilinguistically defined. It was a success story, but it is now confronted with internal and external tensions and is experiencing a deep sense of crisis.

Different from the traditional forms of politics, mainly geared to market and power the extension and appropriation of human, natural and territorial resources, the EU was conceived and developed out of the realisation of a consensus around collective interests, the extension of reciprocity to all its citizens and the realisation of a durable peace founded on mutual respect between peoples. Despite all the current and dramatic changes, Europe remains a civilisation project, characterised by a rich intellectual (material and immaterial) cultural heritage and common values. Up to now, this has guaranteed a good quality of life, sustainable development, a respect for human rights and internal and external solidarity; in short it has provided economic welfare and built bridges of peace and understanding.

Future fundamentals: Dreams express expectations of people, not their conditions. Still the rhetoric needs to be translated into a workable forward-looking reality, amidst a radically changing world. In spite of its failures and imperfections in the integration process, project “Europe” has been a permanent workplace for “active dreamers” to define the European common good and to develop a unique institutional and operational framework. I distinguish four fundamental tasks:

Firstly, Europe has the moral responsibility to establish best practices of cooperation, both internally and externally. The individual and collective well-being depends more and more on the comprehension of man’s capacity to recognise important emerging global trends and act accordingly in the pursuit of economic and social welfare for its citizens. We are in need of a radical change in our vision and methods in order to survive as a European civilisation.

Secondly, Europeans also have the moral responsibility to show that people can live together in the world, despite any differences in language, culture, religion, origin, etc. Europe’s motto is “unity in diversity”, but in practice, Europeans still need to show that they can form an international public space where a cultural diaspora can exist in mutual respect, tolerance and dialogue. European citizens need to be inspired by clear messages, examples and testimonies.

Thirdly, all European countries and regions have to work continuously to make their social and economic systems individually more efficient, so that the weaknesses of one can be compensated by the strength of others. This implies the importance of encouraging individual initiative, of aiming for a broad and just distribution of the benefits of economic welfare and of revalorising senses of responsibility as part of a value driven education with a European dimension.

Finally, Europeans should play a more courageous and dynamic role on the international political scene, by defending Europe’s model of peace and transnational cooperation and strengthening its method of collaboration with other macro regions. Europe should work for a transition from the traditional management of geopolitical and global economic conflicts to a new transversal policy of the global political and economic landscape.

Objective of the Book: Globalisation is one of the most important phenomena and processes confronting the world today. Globalisation affects every aspect of society, including economics, politics and culture as well as personal developments. This book offers a general introduction and critical overview (i.e. concepts, definitions, approaches, historical developments and assessment) of the future of the EU in a globalising context. It looks at the phenomena from a multitude of perspectives — as it is studied in different disciplines and perceived by different regions across the world. Globalisation is viewed in all of its dimensions, including economic globalisation, political globalisation, and the globalisation of civil society, global knowledge and global environment.

A mobilising, forward-looking and human-centric European perspective could favour the transition to a global transnational era. Courage and inspiration are needed to make a renewed European dream worthy of envisaging, rediscover the purpose of the European construction and to give life to a voice of the European civilisation project that responds to the cultural and moral traditions rooted in the ambitions of its fathers. A value-driven and human-centric based approach to Europe’s future may provide a possible, soft and “slow”, but qualitatively strong solution.

Structure

The content of the book is structured along three major parts divided into sixteen chapters. In a first introductory chapter we present our points of departure. This deals with the origin and development of the European integration process, the scientific context and content, the key concepts of the proposed analysis and a few guidelines for its elaboration. Part I (Chapters 2, 3 and 4) concerns a contextualised analysis of the idea and practice of Europe in an historical and forward-looking perspective. The theoretical Part II (Chapters 5 to 8) deals with the need for a renewal of the conceptual framework of understanding Europe’s future. It introduces some new concepts, tools and perspectives of addressing the major challenges in today’s European transformation process. This also has an impact on the context and content of European Studies. The policy-oriented Part III (Chapters 9 to 16) illustrates and applies the contextual and conceptual framework to various crosscutting policy fields and issues such as international relations, globalisation, culture and (inter)cultural dialogue, education, European identity building and citizenship and (participatory) democratic practices.

While the focus is on the societal changes that have taken place in Europe, it also offers interested readers of European affairs, in particular students from different disciplines, an opportunity to reflect and debate on the emerging themes, challenges and inclusive policies in the future of European societies within a globalising context, in particular the social and cultural dimensions of globalisation. The opportunities, challenges and threats that the process of globalisation presents need to be considered, analysed, assessed and managed accordingly, in view of the future perspectives of mankind and Europe’s role and responsibility in a multi-level governance structure. This has become even more urgent in the midst of the current global economic crisis and Europe’s lack of vision.