BRUXELLES
“CONSTRUCTING EUROPEAN CITIZENSHIP” Nowadays it is hard to imagine a Europe without European Union and the accompanying Schengen Area. It is fairly difficult to do so. Is it as hard to imagine a EU citizen who does not feel European? Zuzanna Gil explores the different understandings of a common European citizenship.
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t is heart-warming to see that European countries cooperate with each other now more than ever. Our grandparents could not have imagined the existence of Europe as such years ago. Back then they were interested in their home-countries being accepted and respected by others. Nowadays, there has been a shift from personal interests to country’s being interest in being part of different international organisations and unions. We are brought so close together by economical and political ties as well as increasingly homogenised culture. We are all citizens of Europe, something broader than national. As a citizen of a country you are entitled to a number of rights and privileges. In the EU, for example, citizens are allowed to move freely and can influence country’s 4
decision-making process. There is also a civic side to the problem as almost everyone identifies themselves with their nationality, but it is not always the case when it comes to feeling or being European’. Of course, if someone is asked if they are, anyone would answer positively – but too often it is just a hunch. Even the answer to what does being European mean, is rather tricky. Does it refer to being born within the borders of the EU or is it associated with having resided there for a certain amount of time? Does it depend on social activism, interest or achievements in a particular field? Is it connected to participation, attachment and unity? There are numerous possibilities to reply to those questions and if those thoughts have ever crossed your mind, you are on the right track.
It is probably not that natural for us to feel European as it is to be Belgian, Polish or Estonian, it is in a way secondary. However, some might remember officially becoming a citizen of the EU when becoming a member of the aforementioned union, which could be seen as a big step for establishing a common ground of belonging. However, from a historic perspective, EU is a relatively recent institution, which is nothing compared to a country brought up on years of tradition. Additionally, EU does not equal Europe, as it leaves out several countries that are still strongly bound to the members of the union by borders and similarities in cultures and traditions. As every single person is aware of it, it is hard to see a sense of belonging shining through. Consequently, the European citizenship must