Standing Up for the Voiceless?

In an era marked by a crisis of liberal values—notably within Europe—and mounting challenges to fundamental rights, Standing Up for the Voiceless? explores the European Union’s evolving role in fostering political inclusion. At its core, the volume seeks to engage with a pressing question: does the EU truly amplify the voices of the marginalized—or, more pointedly, the voiceless? Emerging from the Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence “Un-Muting Europe,” this collection brings together fresh perspectives from early-career scholars across disciplines and borders. Through a diverse set of case studies—ranging from environmental justice and migration to democratic backsliding and digital rights—it critically examines how EU institutions interact with those historically silenced, including stateless individuals, minority groups, future generations, and even non-human entities. Adopting a sharp interdisciplinary lens, the book moves beyond institutional rhetoric to question whether the EU’s discourse of participation and protection translates into tangible outcomes. Does the European Union function as a genuine platform for empowerment due to its unique institutional architecture—or does it, paradoxically, contribute to the very silencing it seeks to prevent? Timely and thought-provoking, this volume is essential reading for anyone interested in the legitimacy of European governance, the politics of voice and silence, and the future of rights protection in the EU.