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| Europe of Cultures Forum |
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For the European citizen identity has several levels. The broad EU level, the national level framed in the Member State and the regional level expressed through traditions, language, religion or geographical uniqueness. In many cases cultural identity may not relate to a national or geographical context but to a religious or ethnic one. The integration of 27 Member States in the present European Union has, to date, been achieved without compromising the cultural identity of its citizens. Further extension of the EU is planned. The objective to agree on a European Constitution for a more efficient and democratic decision making system has failed after the rejection of the draft by France and the Netherlands. It is currently being replaced by a Treaty with limited extent. Short term national political views might jeopardize the idea of a true Constitution. The existing EU institutions seem remote. They are often perceived to be unrelated to the citizens’ daily lives. Also, good governance alone will not sustain the integration process. Throughout Europe regional and local autonomy is on the increase, enhancing citizens' sense of regional cultural identity. Besides, “Europe” stretches well beyond the borders of the present EU. A major challenge therefore is to strengthen the sense of European cultural identity by sharing common values, objectives and commitment to the democratic process without threatening the many and diverse cultural identities. Frontiers and intolerance based on language, religion or other issues must be avoided. The Europe of Cultures Forum wishes to contribute to meeting successfully this major challenge. To the benefit of 500 million European citizens. |
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| Last Updated ( Tuesday, 23 February 2010 ) |