What is Europe?

Europe is often used as a geographical term that can be defined as a continent of the northern hemisphere that contains 20 percent of the world’s population. In addition to this, Europe can also be defined as a political and cultural entity that separates itself from Asia. Europe previously defined its separateness through a common religious identity: Christianity. However, in the seventeenth century, and with the establishment of sovereign nation states, did a secular Europe begin. Europe is a political system with unique characteristics focused on European unity and peace, which is driven by the mechanism for enhancing prosperity across Europe and a way to civilize Europe’s nation and citizens (Glencross 2014, 22-24). Europe is now closely associated and defined through the European Union,  established in 193, which is driven by European unity. It is a unified trade and monetary body of 28 countries and is meant to allow countries to become more tolerant and respectful of their neighbors (Glencross 2014, 23). These 28 countries together work towards European values such as eliminating border controls of members, the free flow of goods and people, create a competitive global market, and also strives towards promoting peace among the countries, foster diversity, and offer freedom and security within its borders.

Where are Europe’s Borders?

Europe’s borders remains a key debate of Europe. The geographic boundaries of Europe and Asia remains in question, especially in consideration to Turkey and Russia, countries with territory in both Europe and Asia. The European Union currently only consists of 28 countries, which does not include all of the countries that comprise modern Europe. However, the Council of Europe consists of 47 countries, 28 which are in the EU and includes Russia, with the aim to uphold democracy, human rights, and the rule of law in Europe. These 47 states should be considered in the borders of Europe as they are driven by European values. In addition, Turkey is not a member of the EU or Council of Europe, but its population consist of ethnic Turks, Armenians, Greeks, Albanians, Bosnians, and Georgians, and it state follows western civilization, culture, and systems. Turkey is apart of NATO and has expressed interest in joining the European Union, but has not been granted membership. The boundaries of Europe should be defined by political and cultural characteristics of the country. Therefore, Turkey resembles the cultural and political dimensions of Europe and “europeans” and should also be included in the boundaries of Europe along with the 47 other states.

The “Idea of Europe” to Croatia

Croatia is located in the Balkans and currently gained membership of the European Union in 2013. Croatia joining the European Union was confirmation that it is dedicated to the democratic and cultural set of values of the EU. Europe is focused on European integration, and Croatia, with its membership, now strives for political stability, economic development and long-term peace. By joining the EU, Croatia has opened up to the opportunity to participate and engage in EU policies and processes that will allow Croatia to flourish with European values. About five years into the EU, Croatia has already seen economic growth and now has the opportunity to be equal with other European states and citizens and be acknowledged as a global player. It has been stated that, Croatia’s EU membership is a new stage “towards a totally unified and democratic Europe” (“Croatia’s accession to the European Union” 2013).  

With Croatia’s membership as an EU member, it has gained and carried an important role in defending EU’s longest external border and preventing a new migration crisis such as an uncontrolled migration to reoccur or irregular migration along a new route. With its strong security forces, it is also moving towards joining the Schengen entry. The European Commissioner Dimitris Avramopoulos referred to Schengen at a civil liberties committee hearing as “the core symbol of our unity” and called on “the Council to finally decide for Croatia (entry), as soon as it is technically ready” (Schengen 2018). This validates Croatia’s changing roles in Europe and its adoption of the EU values of peace and prosperity within its country. Croatia has also gained interest to strengthen its political and economic relations with other countries, such as Germany. Croatia and Germany have worked well together on migration-related issues, which is the goals and hopes of the European Union: to unite countries to integrate and cooperate civilly with one another on current issues. Croatia’s “idea of Europe” has gradually been evolving to resemble the “idea of Europe” of the EU. Although still facing struggles as a country, it is moving in a positive direction of acting as an integrated member of the EU and Europe with the growing establishment of European values.

Works Cited

“European Issues and Interviews.” Transatlantic Relations after Brexit. June 23, 2013. Accessed September 16, 2018. https://www.robert-schuman.eu/en/european-issues/0283-croatia-s-accession-to-the-european-union-thoughts-for-europe-at-a-crossroads.  

Glencross, Andrew. The Politics of European Integration: Political Union or a House Divided? Chichester, West Sussex, UK: Wiley Blackwell, 2014.

HINA. “Croatia Has Important Role In Defending EU Border.” Total Croatia News. September 1, 2018. Accessed September 16, 2018. https://www.total-croatia-news.com/politics/30764-crotia-has-important-role-in-defending-eu-borders.

Kiprop, Joseph. “Is Turkey in Europe or Asia?” World Atlas – Maps, Geography, Travel. April 20, 2017. Accessed September 16, 2018. https://www.worldatlas.com/articles/is-turkey-in-europe-or-asia.html.

“Schengen: Enlargement of Europes Border-free Area | News | European Parliament.” Chernobyl 30 Years On: Environmental and Health Effects – Think Tank. February 23, 2018. Accessed September 16, 2018. http://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/headlines/security/20180216S\TO98008/schengen-enlargement-of-europe-s-border-free-area.

“The EU in Brief – European Union – European Commission.” European Union. July 04, 2018. Accessed September 16, 2018. https://europa.eu/european-union/about-eu/eu-in-brief_en.