How many Europe(-s) inside the European union? cultural cleavages and economic gaps

Abstract : Under the present geopolitical context, the European Union is facing an identity crisis that makes it vulnerable in relation to the big powers of the world. This paper makes an analysis of the cultural cleavages and the economical gaps between the “new” and the “old” Europe, which contribute to this vulnerability. A reflection on how to re-think Europe in order for it to regain stability and prosperity will be made.

Keywords : European identity, Central and Eastern Europe, cultural cleavages, economic gaps.

JEL Classification : A13, B22, F02, N14, P20, P50.