Abstract
Whether the states of Central and Eastern Europe are now members of the European Union, or only belong to the Council of Europe as an international organization, the crucial challenges they face are so different that it is now questionable whether there are still any common "European" values. This is not simply a question of opposition between conservative and progressive attitudes, but rather of differences around the fundamental conception of the relationship between the individual and the state, and the role of the latter in the21st century. Whereas in the West, pluralism and openness are widespread, in the East, the state is seen as a protector of traditions that must be preserved, but also defended against the transformations brought about by globalization. Conflicts flare up repeatedly over issues such as the LGBT movement and the reception of refugees. Gradually, these conflicts give rise to others concerning substantive issues such as the independence of the judiciary and the raison d'être of oppositions to a government majority. Do these antagonisms reflect an East-West divide, or are they divisive factors that exist in all European societies in a more or less visible way?
