ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the meaning of European solidarity amongst people living in Europe, and looks at what could be learned from other global solidarity groups. It examines some existing transnational European solidarity networks and analyses the meaning of 'solidarity', both in theory and in practice, particularly within the European Union context. The chapter explores how this solidarity is currently being developed transnationally by civil society groups across the European Union. It specifically explores some nascent attempts at European transnational solidarity such as DIEM, the European anti-poverty network and the Blockupy network. The chapter proposes some thoughts on fostering or organising a transnational solidarity movement across Europe, utilising lessons learned around collective action framing, the development of multi-scalar networks and the employment of social media as a mobilising tool. The potential of European solidarity has been discussed since the signing of the Maastricht Treaty in 1992, but it has been gaining further attention since the financial crisis of 2008.
