The research paper deals with definition of the concept of common European culture, the arguments against and pro, the concept of citizenship and European citizenship, why and who needs it, cultural policy of European Union, treaties that define European citizenship, „Europeaness” in Euro Barometer statistics and other researches, problems of European citizenship.
Table of Contents
1. Definition of the Concept of Common European Culture
2. Common European Culture: The Arguments Against and Pro
3. The Concept of Citizenship and European Citizenship
4. Common European Culture and Citizenry: Why and Who Needs It?
5. Cultural Policy of European Union
6. Treaties that Define European Citizenship
7. „Europeaness” in Euro Barometer Statistics And Other Researches
8. Problems of European Citizenship
Objectives and Research Themes
This paper examines the existence and legitimacy of a common European culture and citizenry, exploring how the European Union constructs these concepts to foster a collective identity. The research investigates the historical and institutional foundations of European cultural policy and evaluates the challenges associated with defining a shared identity within a diverse and dynamic Union.
- The conceptualization and definition of European culture and its dynamic nature.
- The historical roots and political arguments surrounding the creation of a common European identity.
- The legal and political evolution of European citizenship from the Maastricht Treaty to the present.
- The role of cultural policy and symbolism in bridging the gap between EU institutions and citizens.
Excerpts from the Book
Definition of the Concept of Common European Culture
The concept of the culture is difficult by it self. The concept of common European culture is more difficult. There are no one definition. Jan Figel, Commissioner for Education, Training, Culture, and Multilingualism, told in his lecture: ‘I bet you can find as many definitions of European culture as there are people in this room’1. Some thinkers see European culture in the way of life. Other thinkers argue that European culture is based on the universal moral values like humanity, respect to person, tolerance etc. Another even consider that there is no such phenomenon like European culture. In my turn I argue that common European culture does exist. And I will produce my own definition of this concept that is based on the vision of the European Union.
The concept of culture can be utilised in either a narrow or wide sense. Narrow, because it can be restricted to being defined by the arts, literature, music and philosophy. In its wider sense, hoIver, culture refers to a complexity of values, customs, ideas, and political and social institutions which determine the human and social relations of a specific society. In this sense, culture becomes central to the notion of a community and its future.2 European culture presents wide concept of culture, because it has close links to identity, citizenship, political order in general. The function of European culture is to produce feelings of belonging to the community. European culture can not be understood outside wider political project of EU construction.
Summary of Chapters
Definition of the Concept of Common European Culture: Explores the difficulties in defining European culture, arguing that it is a dynamic concept centered on shared values and the EU political project.
Common European Culture: The Arguments Against and Pro: Analyzes the debate regarding the existence of a common culture, addressing historical contradictions and the political motivations behind integration.
The Concept of Citizenship and European Citizenship: Examines the theoretical foundations of citizenship and the distinction between functional and non-functional approaches to European identity.
Common European Culture and Citizenry: Why and Who Needs It?: Investigates the institutional push since the 1970s to create a collective European consciousness and bring the EU closer to its people.
Cultural Policy of European Union: Details the evolution of EU cultural policy and its programs, highlighting the use of culture as both a value and a tool for economic development.
Treaties that Define European Citizenship: Outlines the constitutional status of European citizenship as established through key treaties like Maastricht, Amsterdam, and Nice.
„Europeaness” in Euro Barometer Statistics And Other Researches: Reviews sociological data indicating the growth of European identity, particularly among younger generations, despite political challenges.
Problems of European Citizenship: Discusses the tensions and limitations of European citizenship, including the lack of democratic "thrust from below" and concerns regarding social rights and inclusion.
Keywords
European Union, European Culture, Citizenship, European Identity, Cultural Policy, Integration, Maastricht Treaty, Shared Values, Collective Consciousness, Political Participation, Eurobarometer, Nationalism, Supranationalism, Democracy, Social Rights.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this paper?
The paper examines whether a common European culture and citizenry truly exist and how these concepts are utilized by the European Union for integration purposes.
What are the central thematic fields covered?
The work covers the definition of culture, the history of EU cultural policies, the legal status of European citizenship, and the sociological reception of European identity.
What is the primary research goal?
The objective is to analyze the construction of European identity and investigate why EU elites have promoted cultural and citizenship policies to foster a sense of belonging.
Which scientific methods are employed?
The research relies on a literature review of historical texts, analysis of official EU documents and treaties, and the interpretation of Eurobarometer statistical data.
What does the main body of the work address?
It addresses the theoretical definitions of culture and citizenship, the arguments for and against a unified European identity, and the evolution of EU political and cultural frameworks.
Which keywords characterize the study?
Key terms include European identity, cultural policy, European citizenship, political integration, and historical faultlines.
How is European culture distinguished from national culture?
The author argues that European culture does not replace national cultures but rather operates as an overlapping layer that provides a sense of shared belonging within the EU.
Why is the "bottom-up" development of citizenship a point of criticism?
The author highlights the critique that current European citizenship is defined and imposed "from above" by institutions, lacking a strong, grassroots democratic foundation.
- Quote paper
- Karina Oborune (Author), 2007, Common European Culture and Citizenry, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/169132
