Elusive solidarity in an enlarged European Union

As the EU enlarges, it needs to consider how to promote solidarity between its members. On the one hand, it makes sense for it to strengthen solidarity because it will grow larger and more diverse and will, consequently, have to galvanise support for its system, principles and policies. This does not mean that the EU should duplicate national solidarity measures as the needs of nation states are different from those of persons. Yet counties can still benefit by extending mutual support to each other. On the other hand, solidarity is an expression of kinship. As such, it depends on shared beliefs and acceptance of the political nature of the process of European integration. The growing diversity of the EU will make it more difficult to develop a perception of commonality and "we-feeling". Consequently, strengthened solidarity at an EU-level involves the development or reform of policies or instruments which are either based on an already existing "we-feeling" or which are likely to create it. European merit goods are a case in point. So far and although the EU has been discussing reform of policies, including economic and social cohesion, it is still not taking up the challenge of defining EU solidarity and what may unite EU citizens beyond abstract values.