We never used to think that Europe is a place with unique characteristics that its members share and at the same time make it a thing, different from other things.

Salad at Crudo Osteria Temporane, Turin, Italy.

To us what constituted Europe appeared as separate countries like Finland, Germany, Spain, Hungary, or regions such as Scandinavia, Baltic countries, or Mediterranean countries. But never as an entity we could associate with, really.

La Cite radieuse by Corbusier, Marseille, France.

Similarly, we were Finns, and the others Swedish, French, Spaniards, or Greek, not Europeans (have to admit that my National identity has never been very strong).

Parc National de Calanques, Marseille, France.

After living seven years in the United States and five years in South-East Asia, and coming back to Europe to live in France, we realize that Europe is a thing.

Vélo’V, citybikes of Lyon, France.

We can think of us as being Europeans, and it is not only about familiarity or convenience of the culture with its habits and customs, but something more abstract. Maybe it is about — the word I really hate to say — values that people or cultures here share?

A sculpture by Miró in La Defense, Paris, France.

What do you think?