In the rapidly changing globalized world, the European Union is showing signs of fatigue. Economic conflicts and identity crises are a drain on its self-image. Its central idea as »an ever closer union of the peoples of Europe« seems to have come out of step, and its withdrawal into the national sphere is not sustainable. If the European unification project is to prevail, it must be relaunched. To »renew Europe« means to develop a vision for the 21st century which disenchants Euro-skeptical myths as well as ideals and which strengthens Europe's potential. Ulrike Liebert shows: An upgrade of democracy in the EU is necessary and the innovative development of the Convention approach is possible if the model of a transnational European Republic is to be realized.
