Abstract: Habermas believes that the modern European nation-state is formed with the development of modern civil society.The protection of citizens' rights is the cornerstone of modern nation-state.The modern nation is based on the naturalist nation,but its essence lies in the freedom of citizens.However,nation-state contains the citizen's freedom and national freedom in the concept of nation-state,that is,universalism of modern citizens and national specialism.The development of modern economic society and political society has transcended the concept of sovereignty of nation-states,and the EU has been established and developed in this context.Habermas believes that not only EU,but also the world's civil society,should develop from civic universalism,which has more far-reaching human value goals.

Key words: Habermas, nation-state, civil rights, EU, world civil society