Our approach to the study of European governance and citizenship is rooted in the communication processes of civil society. Dialogue and good communication is essential for a healthy democracy and at a European level it is crucial to

• Stimulate a wider public debate on issues like democracy, recognition of differences, multiculturalism and citizenship rights
• Promote citizens’ participation in the democratic process at all level and civic activities in the local communities

Traditionally the concept of citizenship is conceived as passive rights and obligations entitled to individual citizens concerning social welfare and protection within the nation-states. In our perspective the notion of citizenship has to include both social rights and active participation and involvement in building up social institutions and a willingness to take responsibility for own and others social welfare. Societies build on a weak consent of shared values and social rights will have difficulties in developing a strong notion of social justice and consequently to ensure social cohesion. In our still more multicultural societies the relationship between social rights and social integration has become highly complicated. The traditional welfare politics of redistribution in combating economic inequalities have to co-exist with different politics of recognition in relation to specific social and cultural groups. Developing a multicultural citizenship means both preserving special rights for social groups with special needs and universal social protection for all citizens. This combination of universalism and diversity can only be legitimised through an active dialogue between social partners and minority groups supported by public social protection.