The European public sphere : barriers and limitations

In the classic approach the public sphere is a space, where the common debate takes place, where common issues are discussed, often through the media and on its forum. This sphere, on a national level, exists in every political system. The question is, is it also possible to speak about a common public sphere on a European scale? The process of European integration after all, deals with countries of varied languages, cultures, and traditions concerning the political debate. Is it possible, that a mutual (European) public sphere may arise in countries with varied media systems and journalistic traditions? And, fi nally, can this sphere arise - what is especially important today - within countries of varied interpretations of and links to democratic standards? In this context the problem of the fragmentation of the communication environment and its impact on the condition of the public sphere takes on a new dimension. The goal of this article is an analysis of the conditions limiting the creation and development of a European public sphere.