Südosteuropäische Identität in einem sich wandelnden Europa
Southeasteuropean Identity in Changing Europe

Summary/Abstract: The aim of this contribution is to discuss the complex question of European values and principles, as seen from a western and a south-eastern point of view. To begin with, the geographic basis of a discourse on Europe already represents a point at issue. Which are the boundaries of Europe? It is nearly impossible to give a satisfactory answer to this question that is, however, going to become a central one with the extension of the European Unity. On a nearer view, it becomes quite clear that “Europe” is primarily a notion of cognitive geography, of a map existing in peoples’ minds. Western Europe is situated in the centre of this map, while the East and even more the Southeast lie on the edge or even beyond the borders of Europe. Up to now, the process of EU-accession is mainly assessed from an economic, political or legal point of view and all relevant standards are determined in Western Europe. The impact of European integration on mental perceptions and expectations, of self-identification and strategies of everyday life are, however, more or less neglected. But, to find a common basis for a European identity is inevitable.

• Details
• Contents