Post by Università Bocconi

Can economic #solidarity exist without political solidarity?    In her analysis, Full Professor Eleanor Spaventa reflects on how the #EuropeanUnion has redefined solidarity in recent years, moving from a guiding principle to a concrete policy instrument. Solidarity has always been part of the #European project. It is embedded in its foundations, shaping cooperation among Member States. Yet its meaning has evolved, especially after the Covid-19 pandemic. Faced with an unprecedented crisis, the #EU introduced new tools such as #NextGenerationEU, designed to support recovery and stabilize economies.    This marked a significant shift. For the first time, the #Europe moved toward forms of shared financial responsibility, raising common debt and redistributing resources at scale. These measures signaled a step toward a more integrated approach to #EconomicSolidarity, where risks and opportunities are shared across countries. However, as Professor Spaventa argues, this evolution remains incomplete. Economic solidarity has advanced, but it is not fully matched by political solidarity. Member States continue to act within national frameworks, and collective decisions are often shaped by domestic interests rather than a shared European perspective. This imbalance creates tension. On the one hand, instruments such as recovery funds and common investments suggest a move toward deeper integration. On the other hand, the lack of a unified political vision limits both ambition and credibility. Without a stronger sense of common purpose, solidarity risks remaining reactive rather than structural.    The “solidarity narrative”  is increasingly central in EU law, as highlighted by the Court of Justice, which frames Union citizenship and cooperation among Member States as expressions of solidarity fundamental to European integration. However, while economic solidarity has gained traction, political solidarity remains inconsistent and often constrained by national interests. This imbalance leads to weak and ineffective EU foreign policy, as shown by contrasting cases. Ultimately, this deficit risks undermining the EU’s core purpose and its commitment to a rules-based international order.    The debate also raises broader questions about the future of Europe. Can initiatives like European public goods, from climate action to digital infrastructure, be sustained without deeper political alignment? Can solidarity move from crisis response to a stable feature of European governance? The experience of recent years shows that the EU is capable of innovation when faced with urgency. The challenge now is to transform temporary mechanisms into long-term frameworks, where #EuropeanIntegration is supported not only by economic tools, but also by shared political commitment.