Introduction

1 Introduction

Research on the emergence and nature of a European public sphere is accumulating and divided. In some sense, a European public sphere can be said to have existed for centuries, long before the establishment of the European community, the EU, and its institutions. From the late 17th century onwards the ideas of European civilizations were the object of deliberation across Europe and a pan-European elite public sphere emerged in the 18th century with academia, churches and courts. In the 19th and 20th century the public spheres of Europe expanded and were more integrated and linked than ever before (Schulz-Forberg 2003 ).

However, today a public sphere is most commonly referred to as a space or arena for (broad, public) deliberation, discussion and engagement in societal issues. This is also how the term will be used in this review. In the context of European integration the underlying assumption is that a shared European space, a European public sphere, may contribute to the public legitimacy of the EU polity and its policies, in much the same ways as have been suggested for national public spheres.

In this Living Review the notion of a public sphere is discussed, in particular in the light of European integration and a European polity. Extant research in this field is organized into different strands of research. The review takes stock of our current knowledge and in the conclusion future avenues for research are outlined. In addition, the effects and implications of a public sphere are discussed and current policy initiatives are reviewed.

1.1 The Public Sphere
1.2 What does it mean when applied to Europe?
1.3 Definitions: (A) European public sphere(s)
1.4 Why should we care?