Where and when was Europe? Europeanness and its Relationship to Migration

The article discusses the concepts of europeanness and of european identity. In analyzing these phenomena, it makes the case for adopting a social constructivist approach. It stresses the fact that for a long time, europeanness has remained a rather rare form of identification. Because of its hybrid and polysemic meanings, europe should not be too readily identified with the european union. Migration is a particularly insightful lens for the study of europeanness in its historical and contemporary dimensions, highlighting intercultural encounters that have played a crucial role in turning europe into a relevant point of reference.