Can we be optimistic about the future of Europe? To what extent has the European integrationist
project affected the discourse about the core and the (semi-)periphery? Why does the European
Union struggle with its own and the neighbouring Other? These are some of the questions
addressed in this thought-provoking volume about the dilemmas surrounding the ever-uncertain
European unity. A wide range of contributors have drawn upon invaluable sources and data to
examine a broad selection of official discords and discrepancies characterizing the EU's
relations with the Balkans East-Central Europe and beyond. Moreover past events have shaped
present political and socioeconomic cooperation (or its deficiencies) with no reason to
believe that these present challenges will not further influence future arrangements at a
supranational or intergovernmental level. Whichever the period questions of belonging
solidarity and the (un)wanted Other have remained relevant and have continued to penetrate
discussions. In addition to complementing the existing analyses of European developments the
present findings are of great relevance for researchers policymakers and general readership.
In fact they are essential if we want to see Europe develop.
