Abstract

In this paper I adopt a framework of public sphere (with its related deliberative approach) to highlight the several ways in which European Public Sphere is usually depicted. After discussing the relationship among the already existing European Public Sphere models (e.g. the Monolithic view, the Europeanization of public spheres and the Agonistic model of the public sphere), I try to illustrate a different way to understand what a public sphere is. In order to achieve so, I start from the consideration that criticism and engagement are the pivotal element for any public debate to start. As a consequence, I aim to argue that the public sphere is always a critical one, and that Euroscepticism can be read as the starting point of a Europeanized public debate.