This study focuses theoretically and empirically on social cohesion. The main objective is to map and explain the space of social cohesion in the EU (EU-SC), through a bottom-up approach, that is, from the citizens perspective. Using a quantitative methodology, with data from Eurobarometer 95.1, from 2019, EU-SC was operationalised in four dimensions: 1) horizontal relations (citizens-citizens); 2) vertical relations (citizens - European institutions), 3) belonging, and 4) cross-border practices. The EU-SC was analysed through the relationship with the social structure: social inequalities and subjective well-being as features of living conditions; values and the representations of the EU as an ideational space; and national social cohesion as an intermediate space between citizens and the EU. The results show that the EU-SC is an heterogenous space, both between citizens and between member states, and that formal relations are stronger than informal ones. The subjective aspect of EU-SC, attitudes and belonging, is best explained by the ideational space of the representations of the EU and values. Positive representations of the EU promote cohesion, while negative representations erode it. This study found a positive relationship between EU-SC and the values of democracy and rights, and plurality, and a negative relationship between EU-SC and the values of individuality and protectionism. The objective aspect of EU-CS, cross-border practices, is more explained by social inequalities and subjective well-being, in favour of social categories better positioned in the social structure and with greater well-being.

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social cohesion,European Union,citizens,representations of the UE,social inequalities,values.

• Sociologia - Ciências Sociais