University:
University of Wyoming
Course:
POLS4215 | European Union
Academic year:

2023
Views:

179

Pages:

1
Author:

Allison B.

In short, yes, European integration and unification are possible and in some ways, the region has already unified. As we discussed in our last lecture, Europe is a diverse region but has united through their collective past. Regardless of conflict, although reconstruction stalled and initial tensions remained high, the region formed the European Community, which would later shape into the European Union. Although the E.U. and region has faced its share of challenges in recent years, such as Greece’s Eurozone emergency loan the threat (now reality) of “Brexit”, the Union as a whole remains strong and consensus still is reached among powers in Brussels. The E.U. remains challenged, with the refugee crisis growing resulting also in the growth of alt-right parties in some member-states, most Europeans still value unity over division. Eurovision has been successful in promoting unity and interaction between members of the Eurozone. As we saw in our last lecture with the clip from the film, this competition allows for individuals across the region to connect in a way that promotes cross-country relationships, and builds identity as a European. It is also no doubt that voting procedures in the competition allow for countries to look outside their own boundaries and acknowledge other states. Although Eurovision is a musical contest, the annual-event that began in the late nineteen-fifties has made significant strides towards European unification. To conclude, Europe is, and has, for some time, been experiencing drastic changes and challenges to the region and the European Union. Although nationalism and alt-right movements exist, European states and the E.U. remains a united front against current situations such as the COVID-19 pandemic, and continues to redefine and meet the “European ideal”.