Cultural Traits in Europe: Persistence and European Integration

[Diomedes]

Europe, although a small continent seems to display large differences in the ways its different people act and perceive different aspects of life.

I remember back in the day when I read Geert Hofstede's study about cultural dimensions. Even inside Europe, differences seem to be somewhat significant.

Then one asks: given all these differences, how easy it is for Europe to become a real union?

 

[LeBrok]

Given all the differences, it is easier to build a Real Union on economy than anything else. All European countries embraced form of capitalism and free market.

Military union in presence of common enemy is a strong bonding force too. Putin is actually helping to unite Europe, though he wants and works towards the opposite.

Build it on social values of democracy, inclusiveness, equality, sharing, tolerance, protection of rights and many freedoms. Without these values any union can't exist for longer time.

We can't build European Union on common religion, as such doesn't exist. Faster way, on atheism and religious tolerance?