Introduction

This introductory chapter sets out the aims of the book and outlines its content. Starting with reference to the relevant literature, the chapter takes a critical look at how citizens’ understanding of solidarity, fairness and reciprocity in the European Union (EU) has been studied so far. Against this background, it argues for a research project involving citizens of nine European countries in focus group discussions. It elaborates how the results of focus group research can provide fresh insights into how citizens think and reason about transnational solidarity and what expectations of solidarity they have towards fellow European citizens, other EU member states, and European-level institutions. Furthermore, it discusses the implications that this may have for the achievement of cohesion in the EU.