Introduction: European bioethics on a rocky road

There are quite a number of rocky roads on which the 'old continent' has em barked. There is, first, a harmonization of cultures and attitudes in the c reation of a common European market of values and valuables, a harmonizatio n undertaken in order to survive in an increasingly competitive global mark et. Second, there is a reactivation of specific European traditions in disc ourse, peaceable hermeneutics, solidarity, subsidiarity, tolerance in both conflict reduction and solution, and respect for self-determination and sel f-responsibility. Third, there is an integration of theory and practice, of visions and reality, of national identity or pride and common European rig hts, and of obligations and cultural heritages. Last but not least, there i s a question about the definition of 'European' in a world which, at least in part, has been developed by successful European missionary work in the d istribution of Age-of-Reason principles such as personal autonomy and socia l and ideational tolerance, the promotion of science-based technologies, an d the creation of global markets for goods and services.