In the last years we lived to see the development of the European Union in political and - above all - in the economical and financial areas. The SEM, the Treaties of Maastricht and Amsterdam, the Single European Currency,... were joint steps to a better, more common and more human Europe; in mediating the global economy, European policymakers operate simultaneously in the Community, in national and local policy environments. But coevally some problems became bigger: problems of a bureaucratically kind, of legitimacy and of obscurity, for which the intellect of a single normal human could not be enough. With the „Agenda 2000“–Settings the member-states decided to enforce the enlargement of the EU, especially up to the east. But this step can cause difficulties, which are far beyond purely market problems. Before the impending enlargement can come, a lot of questions have to be asked and solved. One point of view concerns the ethnology, sociology and psychology as much as the politics: the search for a common European identity. It should be asked, if there exists or can exist such a common one, or if it is such an empty phrase, used by nationalist and opponents of the EU as well as by the advocators of a „house of Europe“. I would like to turn my attention to the Hungarian country as an example for the enlargement of the EU. Why Hungary? The European identity of the Hungarian people is deeply included within their national identity: 1. This country belongs to the more favoured group of applicant states listed in Agenda 2000, and always has possessed strong connections to the membercountries, 2. The people in this country share a common history, especially with Austria and Germany (as members of the recent EU), 3. They see themselves as the “Middle of Europe” – not only in a geographical way. But when we in the western part of Europe speak about this continent and this corpus europaeicum, we often forget to remember, that most of the post-communist countries of course had been an important part of Europe2 and that they share a lot of cultural, religious,... aspects with us, which could be displaced by the iron curtain only temporary.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- INTRODUCTION.
- HUNGARY: DATA AND FACTS
- GEOGRAPHY: THE MIDDLE OF EUROPE..
- HISTORY: BACK TO EUROPE..
- THE PEOPLE..
- EUROPE AS PART OF THE HUNGARIAN IDENTITY.
- HUNGARIAN IMAGES OF EUROPE AND THE EU
- Public Opinion - Profile And Image In The Region.
- Information Sources..
- Main Interests..
- EU-Referendum.
- Reasons...
- Who Benefits Most?.
- EUROPE - WHAT ELSE?.
- HUNGARIAN IMAGES OF EUROPE AND THE EU
- CONCLUSION: WELCOME BACK?
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This paper aims to examine the cultural construction of Europe and the role of Hungarian identity in the context of the European Union's forthcoming enlargement. It explores the perceptions and attitudes of Hungarians towards Europe, focusing on their historical and cultural ties, the influence of the EU, and the potential benefits and challenges of joining the Union.
- Hungarian perceptions of Europe and the European Union
- The role of history and culture in shaping Hungarian identity
- The potential impact of EU membership on Hungarian society
- The search for a common European identity
- The influence of Western European standards on Hungarian views
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
- Introduction: This chapter introduces the topic of European identity in the context of the EU's expansion and presents the case for studying Hungary as a key example. It emphasizes the need to understand Hungarian perspectives on Europe and its role in their national identity.
- Hungary: Data and Facts: This chapter provides a brief overview of Hungary's geographical, historical, and demographic features. It sets the stage for understanding the unique context of Hungary within Central Europe and its relationship to the EU.
- Europe as Part of the Hungarian Identity: This chapter delves into the Hungarian perception of Europe and the EU. It examines public opinion surveys, information sources, and key interests related to EU membership. It also explores the broader question of European identity beyond the EU framework.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
This paper focuses on key concepts such as European identity, cultural constructions, Hungarian identity, EU enlargement, public opinion, historical ties, and the influence of Western European standards. It explores the complex interplay of these factors in the context of Hungary's relationship with the European Union.
- Quote paper
- Christoph Fenner (Author), 2001, The Forthcoming Enlargement Of The EU, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/29720
