EU Futures

This episode is a conversation with José Ignacio Torreblanca, the Editorial Director of El Pais, about the polarization and divergence of European politics. Torreblanca explains how the economic crisis mutated into a political and social integration crisis, leading to the trend of emerging tensions along various dividing lines in Europe. He also discusses the exhaustion of the European model and the frustration of many European citizens with the current system and condition of the EU. (Date of interview: April 20, 2016)

In this brief episode Angolan-Portuguese writer José Eduardo Agualusa shares his vision of the future of Europe. He expresses a desire for greater participation of citizens, in particular, young citizens, in EU decision-making as well as the role of literature in the "conscientization" of citizens. He talks about how new immigration is enriching European culture and describes Portugal's unique history in integrating diverse cultures, making it a role model for the rest of Europe. The interview is in Portuguese - a treat for our Portuguese listeners. Please forgive the background noise towards the end of the conversation (~11:30). (Date of interview: April 12, 2016)

This episode is a conversation with Mario Telò, Professor of History of Political Thought at LUISS-Guido Carli, about the five major crises facing Europe today. He outlines the challenges facing the EU in the contemporary context of an increasingly multipolar and globalized world. Telò also discusses the relationship between Member States and the European Neighborhood, commenting on recent interactions with Russia and Turkey. (Date of interview: April 12, 2016)

This episode is a conversation with Joaquín Almunia, a Spanish politician, about the impact of the migration crisis on European economic, political, and social policy. Almunia discusses the challenges at Europe’s peripheries and the rise of xenophobia and populism as a reactionary response against the handling of the migrant crisis by EU leadership. He describes the confusion, frustration, and lack of confidence many EU citizens feel regarding democratic processes, at both the EU institutional level and within the national governments of the individual Member States. (Date of interview: April 11, 2016 - please forgive the background noise in beginning of track - the interview's great)

This episode is a conversation with Jacques Rupnik, Professor of Political Sciences and Director of Research at the Centre de Recherches Internationale (CERI) at Sciences Po, about the emerging crises in Europe’s neighborhoods. Rupnik speaks at length about the blurring of internal and external challenges to the EU and the communal loss of faith in the European leadership and cohesion of the EU. He highlights the regional division in the EU given the various threats to European security, as well as the exhaustion and disillusionment with the European experiment. Rupnik outlines his hopes for the strengthening of the EU through the promotion of flexible responses and increased communication between citizens and EU elites through the creation of a European dialogue. (Date of interview: April 8, 2016)

This episode is a conversation with Tamás Szabados, Senior Lecturer of International Law and European Economic Law at Hungary’s Eötvös Loránd University, about the role of European citizens in EU governance. Szabados talks at length about the need for EU leadership to promote citizen participation and increase public awareness of the functioning mechanisms of the EU. He discusses the power of Europeans in determining the future of the EU, emphasizing how citizens can influence European decision-making by actively engaging in EU elections and referendums, particularly given the contemporary crises facing Europe today. (Date of interview: April 5, 2016)

This episode is a conversation with Monseratt Cachero Vineusa, Professor of Economic History at the Universidad Pablo de Olavide, about the problem of democracy in the EU. Discussing the necessity of transparency, Cachero Vineusa talks about the need for citizens to become more actively involved and educated about the EU and its institutions. Briefly commenting the rise of populism and nationalism in Europe since the financial crisis of 2008, she also discusses the future of the Eurozone and the questions surrounding integration and diversity within the EU looking ahead. (Date of interview: March 31, 2016)

This episode is a conversation with Henrik Selin, Frederick S. Pardee School of Global Studies Associate Professor of International Relations, about the perception of the EU. Selin comments on how critical interpretations of the EU neglect the many positive things accomplished under the experimental European framework, including advancements in environmental policy through successful regional cooperation. Selin talks about the democratic deficiencies in the EU, discussing the removal of individuals from the increasingly centralized Brussels bureaucracies, and the importance of maintaining an optimistic view toward the developments and adaptations of the EU in responding to the needs and concerns of European citizens. (Date of interview: March 22, 2016)

This episode is a conversation with Mai’a Cross, Assistant Professor of Political Science and International Affairs at Northeastern University, about the definition of a European identity, and the challenges facing the trend of “Europeanization”. Cross analyzes the refugee crisis and the rise of right wing parties, emphasizing the centrality of democratic ideals in the development of the EU and the role of active and optimistic citizen engagement in European politics. Discussing the multiculturalism of the EU, Cross describes the evolution of Europeanization and the questions surrounding the importance of retaining the diverse cultural traditions and identities for the future generations of Europe. (Date of interview: March 3, 2016)

This episode is a conversation with TC McCormack, a Northern Irish artist, about the influence artists can have on the emerging future in Europe. He emphasizes the importance of connecting cultures through the promotion of a broader discourse and sharing of diverse beliefs between the various populations inhabiting the European Union. McCormack discusses the role of multiculturalism and how artists can provide a platform in which citizens can become actively engaged and educated about their neighbors, both within their own country, as well as the entire European Community. (Date of interview: March 1, 2016)