Identity Models in Multicultural Europe

Abstract

If we wish to speak of Europe as a community (the so called European Community) it is first necessary to clarify the meaning of the term. What is the meaning of the European identity within the social and religious context of other cultures? In this article, we reflect on three meanings of the word identity: the closed identity (like a wall), the reflected identity (as in a mirror), and the open identity. We will argue that only the experience of an open identity can permit European populations to adequately confront contemporary problems.