The contribution of the reemergence of local identities to the achievement of the European socio-economic cohesion

Director of the Technical Service of the Municipality of Soufli, Greece

^* Corresponding author: gouridis@0890.syzefxis.gov.gr, nasco_t@abv.bg

Abstract

The present paper attempts to approach the recent phenomenon of the reemergence of the local identities in Europe, applying it, as a case-study, on the European-border Greek-Thracian region in relationship with its Bulgarian neighbors. Globalization provoked fears in local communities for instability, dissolution and loss of identity, urging reactions, targeting to consistency, tranquility and security, traced particularly in the reappearance of local identification procedures. Nevertheless, the new approach, opposite to introversive, often connected to heterophobe behaviors, is actively positive and creative, functioning in the frames set by the EU. The identity-building capacities are now built from the inside, enriched by their interdependent character and visualized through sustainable synergies on a horizontal, cross-border, trans-regional, or trans-national level and a vertical one, functioning on various fields, such as culture, tourism, education, social inclusion, youth and training. The new procedures play a crucial role in the planning and implementation of the European policies, which now embrace communities, since it has been realized that local identities beyond a desirable, constitute an indispensable actor for the overall longevity, so that local diversity potentially contributes substantially to the European economic, social and territorial cohesion and integration.