EU Views: José María Beneyto
Name: José María Beneyto
Nationality: Spain
Occupation(s): Academic, international lawyer, politician and writer
Connection to Europe: José María Beneyto is a professor of European Law and Politics, International Relations and International Law, a Jean Monnet Chair ad personam of the EU and the Director of the Institute for European Studies in Madrid. He has published extensively on European Union, he has been practicing law over twenty years, and he was also a Civil Servant of the European Institutions and an advisor to the European Parliament, the European Convention, the OCDE and the World Bank.
Date of interview: February 27, 2017
In this episode visiting researcher Sandra Porcar talks to José María Beneyto about the emergence of populism in Europe and what it means for Europe’s future. Beneyto discusses the need for European politicians to address citizens’ concerns without acquiescing to populist demands. Globalization, he says, has exacerbated feelings of abandonment and anonymity among citizens who long for the security that comes from a sense of embeddedness in culture and in community. He ends with a positive note on the future of the continent, by considering the fact that traditionally Europe has used crises as opportunities and has historically regenerated itself based on the unity of its peoples.