European Societies Between Diversity and Convergence Les Societes Europeennes Entre Diversite Et Convergence Vol. I A Seminary Held at the College of Europe, Bruges, December 1992 Un Seminaire Tenu Au College d'Europe, Bruges, Decembre 1992 - Europe Plurielle - Multiple Europes

European societies are constantly in search for a balance between integration and differentiation. The present economic and social crisis in Europe set within the post-Maastricht period calls for new answers to this challenge. The lack of comprehension for national specificities or historical particularities may entail a major obstacle for further economic and political co-ooperation between European countries, regions and citizens. Intentionally, Europe was conceived as a whole, many national specificities and divergences being considered as legacy of the past, to be progressively overcome by functional integration. But, with growing interdependence and institutional integration, the problem of national, regional and cultural identity become a new subject of public preoccupation. European studies should respond to this type of preoccupation. The project aims to make an important contribution not only to a better understanding and co-operation between countries, regions and citizens, but also to the concrete needs of European studies and interdisciplinary networking in social sciences all over Europe. The book contains contributions in English and in French. Le livre contient des contributions en francais et en anglais.