Introduction - technologies and European integrations

This introductory chapter to the technology section provides an overview of complex relationships between technologies and European integrations. First, it highlights that in European integration literature the term ‘technology’ is often in multiple ways typically without explicit reflection on its meaning. While the term technology is frequently used in instrumental ways, this chapter emphasizes political, social, and cultural aspects of technology. Second, the chapter outlines three modes of European integration relevant for technology: first, ‘hidden integration’ of technology as infrastructure; second, integration outside the treaty framework, and, third, integration of technology policy within the EU. Finally, the chapter concludes with some questions for future research on mutual shaping of technologies and European integrations.