Globalization, transnationalism, planetarity designate as much cultural forces as economic and political. However these dynamics do not affect the planet equally; rather regions and areas have distinct profiles. This conference takes as its task the exploration of cultural unification fostered by the EU. The European Union has set as its primary goal the political, economic, and cultural union of Europe. This combination of goals makes the EU unique among the world’s transnational organizations. Indeed, while many organizations have arisen to foster global free trade arrangements or international treaties, nowhere is there an equivalent focus on fostering a common culture. Along with attention to the cultural production compelled by the EU in the current moment, the conference will of necessity attend to the geographic and historical complexities of European cultural unification. Panels and presentations will be open to the public.