The Background of Ethnic Conflicts in the European Union based on the example of Great Britain, Spain and France

Abstract

The article concerns the issue of ethnic conflicts in the selected countries of the European Union. The origin of the conflicts is explained by conflicts among different groups pursuing various interests. Cultural and religious identity, the idea of being socially recognized, freedom from discrimination, freedom of religion often have a further negative impact on conflicting relationships. The absence of dialogue between actors of the conflicts brings about the ongoing increase of different acts of violence. The Great Britain, Spain and France are the examples of the multicultural countries with multi-faceted origin of ethnic conflicts. Searching for the roots of the ethnic conflicts reference should be made to interethnic relationships with their beginning in distant historical epochs. It will enable understand, among others, the Irish’s reluctance to the British or the front pages news.