Decolonization Of The European Public Sphere: Can Narratives And Representations Of Migration Be The Way Forward?

The public sphere serves as a platform for rational discourse, idea-sharing, and shaping public opinion. Despite its Eurocentric orientation, criticized for excluding women, workers, and minorities, language reinforces these disparities, marginalizing diverse cultures. The debate extends to the European Union, questioning the existence and characteristics of a European public sphere. Our contribution posits that a European public sphere exists, shaped by Europeanization but plagued by Eurocentrism. Migration emerges as a potential catalyst for decolonizing this sphere, aiming to challenge dominant narratives and promote inclusivity. Social media has empowered marginalized groups, yet resistance persists. Decolonization involves dismantling biases and fostering narratives that reflect migrant realities. While efforts toward inclusivity persist, resistance from privileged groups complicates the issue. Dismantling oppressive structures, revising policies, and adopting inclusive practices can establish a just and democratic European public space. Our study, combining critical literature review, an EU-wide online survey, and ethnographic studies, aims to deepen understanding and pave the way for further research. Structured in three parts—reconstructing the theoretical framework, data collection, and discussion—our contribution seeks to enrich the discourse on the European public sphere, acknowledging challenges and proposing avenues for progress.