PROJECTS FOR EUROPE-THEN AND THE REALITY OF EUROPE TODAY

Abstract

European Integration remains, still, the most important objective of the Balkan countries. The reason is simple: To join a family in which the rule of law and democracy are the main principles of every-day life of an integrated community. Referring to the title of this paper “Projects for the Europe,” the main question raised in this paper is: When did these “Projects for the Europe” firstly started? In this paper I will attempt to present that the “Projects for the Europe” have started since the XVII and XVIII century, and the philosopher’s ideas of that time, especially those of French cosmopolitan philosophers, are of great importance and have played a crucial role in that process. Furthermore, I will try to explain, how those ideas, with regard to the “Projects for the Europe,” were implemented in the post WW II Europe? Even though, the general idea is the European Integration; we have to take into consideration that Europe is not just a result of modern economic and political cooperation, but, first of all, it is an ideal elaborated by the great European philosophers. Rethinking the idea of Europe, even though utopia at its beginning, will help us understand the institutions of today’s Europe. Finally, in this paper I conclude that today’s Europe is the result of continuous process of political thought, concrete and practical action. Therefore, it is necessary to avoid misunderstandings or perceptions about Europe. On the one hand, Europe, it is not a cash drawer, or even just an area of free movement of goods and people. Europe, in the first place is a space of civil liberty, solidarity and responsibility. The core principal of political thought and practical action for Europe is the idea of peace and security. As a consequence, the source for achieving freedom, democracy and the rule of law, the idea that constitutes the pride of Europe.