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What Values Define Europe?
At a time when some experts warn of a potential break-up of the euro zone, it is worth considering what else unities Europe
The Beginner asked via a recent survey what cultural beliefs sum up European values. For the majority of respondents (67%), it is cultural diversity that most defines Europe. Thirty-three percent thought that ‘freedom of opinion’ described Europe well. Nobody, however, voted for ‘Peace’, ‘Social equality and solidarity’ or ‘Respect for the environment’.
In fact, the foundations of a united Europe were laid on fundamental ideas and values to which the member states also subscribe and which are translated into a practical reality by the community's operational institutions. These acknowledged fundamental values include the securing of a lasting peace, unity, equality, freedom, security and solidarity.
Ironically, the European Union was created on the basis of avoiding war by way of peace and economic ties, social equality and solidarity through the sharing of the resulting prosperity, and the division of burdens equally and justly among members. On a world stage the EU is also known for placing a strong emphasis on sustainable development, especially in the fight against climate change.
Yet when taking into account the current economic climate, the survey results do not come as a surprise. The euro zone crisis has shown that despite all the commonalities that Europeans share, they are characterised by vast differences in political culture, social stratification, economic development, and others. These have been brought to the surface because of the crisis and have been magnified ever since, also making it unsurprising that ‘freedom of opinion’ - to, for example, express those differences - ranks second in the survey.