NarratEUR 2025 - Virginie Guiraudon

Seminar objectives

In practice, NarratEur is organised as an ‘open course’ for ULB students and interested members of the general public (EU practitioners, members of European civil society, journalists, citizens). The speakers are academics, politicians, journalists and artists who share their views on the production, circulation and reception of European narratives in various social sectors.

The ‘narrative’ of European integration is an increasingly salient bone of contention in intellectual and political debates, to the extent that some speak of a ‘narrative turn’ in the legitimisation of the EU.

On the one hand, these debates highlight the efforts made by the European institutions to develop policies and communications that are effective, attractive and compatible with democratic imperatives (particularly in terms of transparency, justice, accountability and sustainability). Yet, despite constantly renewed versions, the case for European integration seems to oscillate constantly between two paradigms of justification: the ‘grand narrative’ inspired by the stato-national model, and a more utilitarian claim in terms of the results and public goods offered to citizens by the EU.

On the other hand, critical analyses highlight the elitist, abstract and technocratic dimensions of EU narratives. Doubts are expressed about the obsolescence of the notion of ‘narrative’ itself in European societies characterised by political disenchantment and religious secularisation. Narratives are described as being transformed into ephemeral ‘stories’ told in an individual and often conflicting mode, particularly in the digital sphere.

A final challenge is to consider the role of European narratives as products, solutions or aggravations of multiple crises in the governance of the EU, as well as the resistance, backlash and counter-narratives they may encounter. An underlying question is the extent, significance and effects of their politicisation.

This seminar aims to bring together different perspectives and disciplinary approaches (political sociology, public policy, political theory, comparative politics, international relations, law, history, arts) to address these issues. The EU is analysed as a multi-level system of governance, focusing on the interactions between the national and supranational levels. The main focus is on the internal dynamics of European politics, while taking into account the constant exchanges between the European and global spheres.

Activities will be held in French and English, with both languages welcome in the discussion.

All sessions take place at the Institute for European Studies (IEE-ULB), 39 avenue Roosevelt.