The Limits of EUrope: Identities, Spaces, Values

The European Union (EU) faces a state of crisis due to Brexit, Euroscepticism, the Eurozone and refugee crises, and other challenges. Experts analyze and rethink the forces that pull Europeans together and push them apart.

Format: Hardback
Length: 322 pages
Publication date: 05 April 2022
Publisher: Bristol University Press

The European Union (EU) has faced a series of systemic and spontaneous challenges in recent years, including Brexit, the rise of Euroscepticism, the Eurozone and refugee crises. These challenges have manifested in landmark moments for European integration, raising questions about the state of the EU. A special issue of the journal Global Discourse, titled "Is the European Union in a State of Crisis?", explores whether these crises are isolated phenomena or symptoms of a deeper malaise across the EU. Experts from various disciplines analyze and rethink the forces that pull Europeans together and those that push them apart.

One of the key challenges facing the EU is Brexit, which has led to the UK's departure from the EU and the potential for further departures in the future. Brexit has raised questions about the future of the EU, its institutions, and its policies. Some argue that Brexit is a symptom of a deeper malaise within the EU, while others argue that it is a necessary step towards greater European integration.

Another challenge facing the EU is the rise of Euroscepticism. Euroscepticism is a political ideology that rejects the idea of a united Europe and advocates for the return of national sovereignty. Euroscepticism has gained significant traction in recent years, particularly in countries such as the UK, France, and Italy. Euroscepticism has led to a decline in support for the EU and has contributed to the rise of populist political movements.

The Eurozone crisis is another significant challenge facing the EU. The Eurozone is a monetary union that includes 19 member states. The crisis began in 2009 when Greece experienced a financial crisis, and it has since spread to other member states. The crisis has led to austerity measures, high unemployment, and social unrest. Some argue that the Eurozone crisis is a symptom of a deeper malaise within the EU, while others argue that it is a necessary step towards greater economic integration.

The refugee crisis is another significant challenge facing the EU. The crisis has led to the displacement of millions of people from their homes, and it has put significant strain on the EU's resources. The crisis has led to a debate about the EU's immigration policies and the role of the EU in addressing the crisis.

In addition to these challenges, the EU has also faced a number of other issues, including the impact of globalization, the rise of authoritarianism, and the need for greater democratic accountability. Globalization has led to the growth of international trade and investment, but it has also led to the displacement of workers and the erosion of social protections. Authoritarianism has emerged in a number of countries, and it has posed a threat to the EU's democratic values. Greater democratic accountability is needed to ensure that the EU's policies are transparent and accountable to its citizens.

Despite these challenges, the EU has also made significant progress in recent years. The EU has implemented a number of policies aimed at promoting economic growth, social cohesion, and environmental sustainability. The EU has also played a key role in addressing global challenges such as climate change and terrorism.

However, the EU's progress has been uneven, and there are still significant challenges that need to be addressed. One of the key challenges facing the EU is the need for greater political integration. The EU's institutions are complex and fragmented, and they are often unable to respond to the challenges that the EU faces. This has led to a lack of trust in the EU's institutions and has contributed to the rise of populist political movements.

Another challenge facing the EU is the need for greater economic integration. The EU's single market is one of the world's largest, but it is not fully integrated. This has led to a number of barriers to trade and investment, and it has contributed to the growth of economic inequality.

In conclusion, the European Union (EU) has faced a series of systemic and spontaneous challenges in recent years, including Brexit, the rise of Euroscepticism, the Eurozone and refugee crises. These challenges have manifested in landmark moments for European integration, raising questions about the state of the EU. Experts from across disciplines analyze and rethink the forces that pull Europeans together and those that push them apart. While the EU has made significant progress in recent years, there are still significant challenges that need to be addressed. Greater political integration and greater economic integration are needed to ensure that the EU's policies are transparent and accountable to its citizens.

Weight: 450g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781529221794