Who is considered European?

There is no universally agreed-upon definition of who or what is considered "European." However, here are a few ways in which people might be considered European.

Geographic and cultural considerations

- Europeans are generally considered inhabitants of the continent of Europe, which is located in the Northern Hemisphere and is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the west and the Mediterranean Sea to the south.

- Historically, the term "Europe" has also referred to the European Union, a political and economic union that includes 27 member states that are primarily located in Europe.

Historical and ethnic considerations

- Europeans have historically been considered to be descended from the indigenous peoples of Europe, including the Celts, Germanic peoples, Slavs, and Mediterranean peoples, among others.

- Historically and ethnically, Europe is also closely connected to the Middle East and North Africa, which were part of the ancient world and have had significant cultural and historical influences on European civilization.

Socio-political and cultural identities

- The notion of European identity is also shaped by subjective, self-identified aspects. Individuals may identify as European based on their cultural heritage, values, and the sense of belonging to the European community.

National and citizenship status

- Citizenship also factors into the definition of European. European citizens are individuals who hold passports from a European Union country and, by extension, have the rights and privileges granted to EU citizens.

Overall, the concept of being "European" is complex and multifaceted, influenced by a range of geographical, cultural, historical, and socio-political factors. It can be subjective and depend on individual perspectives.