Trust and social cohesion beyond polarization: perspectives on the European public sphere

This contribution explores the possibility of building a european public sphere within a context marked by global challenges, disinformation, and growing polar ization, reflecting on the connections between the public sphere, public discourse, and public opinion. The construction of a european public sphere entails not only institutional responses but also cultural and communicative transformations. one of the main risks lies in the convergence of political and communicative popu lism, which amplifies fears and promotes representations of antagonistic identities, fueling conflict and societal divisions. simplified and disintermediated forms of communication reduce the capacity of public discourse to mediate complexity and manage crises. in facing these phenomena, it becomes essential to acknowledge our vulnerability and interdependence – elements that not only define our shared humanity but also characterize the condition of european and global intercon nectedness. Reclaiming the public sphere as a space for shared interpretation and cultural mediation may represent a possible path toward fostering trust and cohe sion in the face of uncertainty and ongoing transformation