Definitions of Europe

1. What is “Europe”? Where are its boundaries?

Europe is an inherently geographical term to define the separation of the western part of the Eurasian landmass but there are many ways to define what Europe is and where its boundaries are. The definition of Europe has changed over the centuries and continues to do so based on political, cultural, and geographic definitions. The geographic definition of Europe is based on the mountain ranges of the Urals and the Caucasus. These mountain ranges have defined what Europe geographically looks like because they are geographical borders that separate the landmass of Eurasia. Europe is also culturally defined by mass Christianity. Before Christianity spread to the European region, the area was populated by a multitude of different ethnic groups all with varying beliefs and cultural practices. Glencross attributes the beginning of Christianity as the basis for a European identity when the Germanic and other tribes overran the Roman Empire and converted to Christianity. Europe became united as a Christian republic. The definition of Europe is popularly viewed as political due to the fact that unification of the landmass has been an important element in defining Europe. Ideals of unity have defined the European region and in more recent times, Europe has become synonymous with the European Union even though the landmass of Europe contains more countries than the 28, soon to be 27, countries in the European Union. Europe is viewed by outsiders as a democratic continent that values human rights when this is more on par with the European Union than Europe as a whole. The European Union does not encompass all of Europe but allows any “European” country to join, among other criteria, so there is still a glimmer of hope for any European countries not in the European Union. This sliver of promise will probably never occur due to the fact that other countries would need to comply with the Copenhagen Criteria and conform to European Union ideals in order to unify as a landmass.
My case study of Italy is a part of the European Union and one of its founding members. Italy would have a positive view of Europe because it is a part of the exclusive European Union and believes in those ideals that define the European Union. Italy is also a Catholic country so it is also a part of cultural Europe. Italy is already on the inside of the European Union and even though it was only unified in the 19th century, it has always been seen as a part of Europe from its time as the Roman Empire, to its place in the Byzantine Empire, and as the seat of the Pope and the conglomerate Papal States. A state that is a part of Europe culturally and geographically but not a part of the EU, such as Serbia or Albania may not have the same view of what Europe is because they are not involved in the EU (yet). These outside states that are still technically within continental Europe that might be vying for EU membership might want to classify themselves as European to get into the EU. On the other hand, the country of Russia does not want to be in the EU so they might have a more negative perception of the European identity and being a part of Europe.

2. How does your case study relate to “the idea of Europe”?
The “idea of Europe” varies depending on what country or cultural group you ask. Each different group has different ideas and opinions that depends on different criteria. As mentioned above, Europe is defined politically, culturally, and geographically so one’s view on the idea of Europe depends on how they define Europe and their part, or lack thereof, in the European Union.
Italy was one of the founding members of the European Union and is a part of cultural Europe since it is a Catholic country and takes part in the Christian identity that Europe possesses. In the post-World War II and fascist period, Italy has taken part in democracy and pro-European unity ideals. Italy has always been seen as one of the less economically stable countries in the European Union so being in the European Union has benefited them in multiple ways, including economically. By having strong countries and the Euro backing Italy it strengthens the country itself and reinforces the unity within the European Union. Recently, going along with many other European countries, Italy has become more conservative and has a rising populist party, the Five Star Movement. Italy’s idea of Europe is changing with its evolving political landscape. Italy’s election earlier in 2018 demonstrated how citizens view of their role in Europe and the European Union is changing due to the immigration crisis. Italy’s far-right nationalist party, the League, is anti-immigration and does not want to uphold their end of the European Union’s plans to take in more migrants. Italy’s geographical location put them in a predicament during the immigration crisis and going forward does not want to bear most of the burden. The leader of this far-right nationalist party wants to “change Europe” which shows how much Italy has changed since it was a part of the European Coal and Steel Community and was pro-European Unity. Tensions are rising between the European Union and Italy which demonstrates how the idea of Europe is changing for Italy. Italy has become closer to the Prime Minister of Hungary, Viktor Orbán, which shows how Italy is becoming more aligned with state sovereignty ideas rather than the ideas that make up the European Union and the prospect of a unified European continent.
Italy is at a crossroads where it can choose to stick with the democratic ideals it has valued for decades or it can go along with the rising nationalist and populist movement sweeping Europe, and the world, right now.

Works Cited

Glencross, Andrew. The Politics of European Integration. Chichester, West Sussex, UK: Wiley Blackwell, 2014.

“‘We Want to Change Things from Within.’ Italy’s Matteo Salvini on His Goal to Reshape Europe.” Time. Accessed September 14, 2018. http://time.com/5394207/matteo-salvini-time-interview-transcript-full/.

“Tensions Rise between Italy and the EU.” The Economist, August 30, 2018. https://www.economist.com/europe/2018/08/30/tensions-rise-between-italy-and-the-eu.