Le sfide della costruzione europea nel XXI secolo: alcune considerazioni di carattere storico

The challenges of European integration in the 21st century: some historical considerations

Abstract

The construction of Europe and the institutions which have resulted from it have always been strongly influenced by the political, economic and social changes which have crossed the European continent. The construction of Europe also implies an ideal component: the term “European ideal” is a constant in almost all public statements, especially of politicians, when dealing with issues related to the European Community, the EU or other specific forms and moments of integration. But what are the characters of this ideal? Have they changed over time? These are the questions in this Article.