Reframing Europe's Future in an Age of Uncertainty

Before the outbreak of the global financial crisis, the EU was seen as a potential remedy for the uncontrolled forces of turbo-capitalism. Academic literature was abundant about Social Europe based on European values, solidarity and Europe’s soft power to peacefully solve international conflicts. In many ways, the European dream replaced a fading American dream. Since 2015, the EU and its candidate countries from the eastern and southern peripheries face another crisis: the crisis of self-interpretation and understanding that includes facing mixed internal and external challenges: eurozone restructuring, austerity, migration, populism. The implementation of ‘European values’ has come into conflict with the practice and ideology of national politics in different microregions. We daily receive diametrically opposing messages regarding conflicts and social and cultural aspirations, as well as visions for the future of Europe from politicians and pundits in Greece, Germany, France, Poland, Spain, Italy, Sweden and Hungary. European societies are deeply divided about their respect and evaluation of EU institutions and policies, and for many BREXIT is only the first step towards further fragmentation and disintegration of the European project. Interdependent crises, including the Catalan secessionist movement, and inadequate answers from national authorities, reflect the deepening crisis of democracy and the values that lie behind the system. This paper examines current political, social and economic cleavages (especially between East and West), while focusing on the erosion or perseverance of solidarity, social cohesion and inclusion at the intra- and supranational levels.