Security & Geopolitics#4
China
Partner, competitor and systemic rival — all at once.
+2
Europe's public debates
The Agenda
62 issues shaping Europe's politics.
From Ukraine to pensions — the debates every European government and party is answering.
62 topics9 themes27 countries
2 topics
Integration, national identity & culture
Values, religion, language and belonging — the cultural core of today's politics.
In short
Debates on integration, religion in public life, language requirements and national identity shape election outcomes, especially where migration is high. They range from France's secularism (laïcité) to integration tests in Denmark, Austria and the Netherlands.
Why it matters now
Identity is a main driver behind the rise of national-conservative and populist parties. Increasingly, the debate is not about newcomers but about citizens: the second and third generation, born and raised in Europe. Some parties now propose "remigration" for citizens of migrant descent, which courts have found incompatible with constitutional and international law.
The divide
Assimilationist
require adoption of national values and language; firm enforcement of shared rules
Multicultural / liberal
protect diversity; prioritise anti-discrimination
Equal citizenship
same rights, same duties and same consequences for every citizen, whatever their origin; neither "remigration" nor exemption from the rules
The debate
Many voters in between.