The Problem of Reputational Capital and Soft Power of the EU in the Context of European Migration Crisis

At the end of 2015, Europe faced a unique phenomenon in modern history - the explosive nature of migration processes. Mass of internally displaced persons and economic migrants from the Middle East are aggressively trying to become full residents, attracted by the image of Europe as an oasis of prosperity, democracy and human rights. As a result soft power begins to bring Europe not only political advantages but also serious challenges to its economic, social, political and even social-cultural spheres, the consequences of which are unpredictable now. It is hard to predict implications for soft power as well: will Europe remain world authority in the humanitarian field or will it suffer serious reputational loss?