'Being European'

After being asked in class by one of his students about what it meant to be an European, Giancarlo Vilella, author of "Being European", teacher of European Law and Director- General for Innovation and Technological Support (ITEC) at the European Parliament, reflected on this matter and his conclusions are summarized in this essay. 

First though, the author takes the reader through a journey in time, which begins in 1950s  when the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC) and the European Economic Community (EEC) were established. From their formation, to the most recent treaties signed and the most poignant events that took place in the recent years, such as terrorist attacks (Charlie Hebdo, the Paris and Brussels terrorist attacks, ...), the economic crisis that took a strong toll mostly in Greece, Spain and Portugal and Brexit. 

Being European can be considered pertinent given the fact that many entities, political parties, the media and citizens in general question the relevance of the European Union today. The author explains the values by which the European Union is governed, its relevance, the powers given to each institution and its functions, what each institution has done at the most critical moments of the European Union's history and reflects on what he considers to be the main problems / challenges of today: populism, terrorism and migrants. 

Undoubtedly this is the passionate vision of a man who believes in the European Union and that only if all member states present a united front will it prevail over time. And of course, when one tries to find an answer to a question, other questions arise: How to stimulate growth and at the same time help other member states? Regardless of whether the reader likes the book or not, Giancarlo Vilella certainly does not leave his student without an answer and if by any chance he does not clarify any doubts or does not present short-term solutions, he also leaves no room for frustration by putting more unanswered questions on the table or presenting utopian solutions.

If you are interested in reading the book, it is available at the Library, so just drop in and take a look or borrow it!

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