Towards the European Public Sphere – EU News and Debate Websites

The aim of this paper is to present the empirical findings of study on political communication in the European Union. The analysis was conducted to find out what is communicated (content analysis of current affairs coverage) on such Internet news platforms as the VoxEurop or EuroTopics and how it is done (framing theory). The analysis allowed to evaluate these platforms (for instance if they enable the citizens to contribute to the European communicative space). One also should not forget the significance of contexts that shape and modify communication process, therefore the differences in language versions and national perspectives on the European Union were explored (comparative analysis).

The research examines the role of European news and debate websites in fostering the European public sphere on one hand and in creating the EU image on the other hand. The study indicates possible solutions for future of European media and communication, taking into consideration their contradictory nature. It also addresses the question why European political communication is seen as both a cause and a solution of the alleged democratic and legitimacy deficit of the European Union.