Boundary- and Community-Making in the European Union

ongoing

BoundEUries explores the linkage between community- and boundary-making processes in the EU through the practices and legitimisation of the governance of cross-border issues and flows of persons, goods and ideas. Theoretically, BoundEUries discusses a novel way of framing community/boundary-making by coupling the study of political narratives and policy instruments. It revisits existing notions (e.g., center/periphery model, geopoliticisation, or borderisation) in an interdisciplinary perspective. Empirically, BoundEUries first analyses ‘borderless issues’ such as mobility (from migrants to workers); the digital; and international conflicts. It then examines arenas where European community/boundary-making are in constant redefinition: the European Parliament; the European public sphere through traditional and digital media covering EU news; and the symbolic space drawn by EU legitimising narratives. Methodologically, it combines qualitative and quantitative approaches in research, innovative teaching practices (simulations, ‘flipped classroom’, media literacy, theatre) and dialogue with professionals and artists to promote ‘learning by doing’. In terms of communication and dissemination, BoundEUries brings together academics and students of different nationalities, and partners from different sectors (policymakers, think tanks, civil society, media, arts), to co-create contents and reach out to diverse publics through bilingual activities (English and French). The quality control and visibility of BoundEUries is ensured through its conguence with the IEE-ULB (111 affiliates). Beyond its anchorage in the capital of Europe, BoundEUries involves prestigious partners (e.g., EUI, Sciences Po Paris, Waseda, Cambridge, CIVIS University Alliance) that will boost its global outreach. Finally, BoundEUries offers training opportunities for students to gain academic, professional and soft skills and maximise their potential as European citizens and workers.