European norms and values and the refugee crisis

In this introductory chapter, we present the issues and challenges stemming from the current ‘refugee crisis’ in Europe vis-à-vis European norms and values and the need to reconcile the two. We contest both the notion that there is a ‘refugee crisis’ and the assumption that there are universal ‘European values.’ We question the idea that instilling ‘European values’ (in all of their variety) will result in seamless refugee and immigrant integration and ensure social cohesion. The chapter ends with an outline of the issues debated in subsequent parts of the volume.