http://www.certitudinea.ro/articole/europa-nostra/view/uniunea-europeanA-federalizare-sau-fragmentare

dr. Radu SĂGEATĂ^

Abstract. The European Union between integration and fragmentation. A possible evolution scenario. Current European integration, begun after the Second World War, was based on ideas of reconciliation and tolerance among the nations of the Continent, grounded on common cultural and economic values. However, after 1997, this paradigm suffered fundamental changes when the states at the eastern border with the former Iron Curtain, obviously less economically performant, were invited to EU membership, a move that entailed greater bugetary efforts from already existing members. Besides, migratory fluxes from the East of Europe, but moreover from the Middle East and Northern Africa increased criminality and terrorist risks in the West-European countries. Against this background, the question arises of whether the Christian values, underlaying the post-World War structure, are still topical or not. Centrifugal tendencies have already appeared and the Brexit might well be just the first step. This paper attempts to provide a future projection of Europe based on two district Unions in terms of economic development level and delimitation from the former Iron Curtain which turned from a political frontier into an economic frontier.

Cuvinte cheie: integrare, fragmentare, toleranţă, discrepanţe economice, terorism, UE