European Togetherness is not for Granted
Abstract
Looking at the past decade of the European Union as a developing economic and political integration project, this article first provides an overview of both positive developments as well as negative or threatening factors that the supranational institution has been subject to, indicating a spiralling cycle of political, economic and security crises. Second, it analyses the role of young European generations, who tend to engage less in traditional forms of political participation but seek out new forms and, surprisingly, express stronger belief in EU integration and higher levels of European citizenship awareness than older generations. The article points to citizenship and global education as well as lifelong learning as answers to the challenges posed by decreasing trust and belief in the European idea.