Introduction

Various political, economic, social and cultural processes of transformation have taken place in the era of  globalisation. Europe presents itself to this globalising world with an immense wealth of cultural, social and linguistic diversities. However, in today’s global era Europe is confronted with the preoccupation and responsibility to maintain its proper socioeconomic model of integration and diversity in this rapidly changing world system. Within this context the shared values which bind our societies together, such as freedom, loyalty, democracy, human rights, the rule of law, tolerance and solidarity, are crucial for Europe’s future. However, all the changes and uncertainties taking place in the political, economic, social and cultural areas call for a safeguarding of these values through (innovative) institutional mechanisms and true policies of internal and external dialogues.