Introduction

Abstract

Amidst a period of increased risk and uncertainty, we ventured to produce a compilation of works on the manifold implications, lessons and new directions raised by the unfolding of the post-2009 crisis in Europe. For the first time since the end of the Second World War, European societies are being confronted with the consequences of a critical economic downturn shaking the established socio-political order. Europe is facing a number of important social, economic and political challenges, as much of the European continent continues suffering from sluggish economic growth or stagnation, difficulties to effectively implement structural reforms and widespread political reactions towards the established political order. In varying ways, the crisis has strongly impacted societies across Europe. Many people lost their jobs or part of their income as a result of salary cuts, while uncertainty about the future has risen. European citizens demonstrate an increasing lack of confidence and trust in relation to the governance of financial institutions, and the free market overall, but also in relation to democratic institutions and politics at European, national or local levels.