EUROPEAN IDENTITY IN THE CONTEXT OF NATIONAL IDENTITY

Abstract

Nationalism seems to be back in Europe in the age of the Great Recession. In all EU countries, citizens accuse Europe of intruding in their way of life. European identity seems to be in retreat.

In all countries national attachment is by far stronger than attachment to Europe. Yet, in most countries, the majority of citizens identify with both, which suggests multiple identities as well as an integration of Europe into the pre-existing multiple identification structure of other territorial levels. Yet the second most frequent category consists of those who identify solely with their own country. In contrast, exclusive European attachment is very rare. Dual national and European attachment is clearly fostered by pull-factors, namely support for European democracy, institutions, and politics. Push-factors, in the sense of negative evaluations of these political aspects within one’s own country, play a minor role. By contrast, in the case of exclusive identification with Europe, the denial of any national identity is the  main push factor.

Thus, a European identity is an important factor for the integration of Europe because it implies that individuals and nations within Europe will subordinate parochial interests to achieve a common good based on the beliefs, values, and norms embodied by the identity. The analysis of the construct of European identity demonstrates that the identity exists and but primarily has a cultural dimension. The existence of a European identity is confirmed by the relatively high percentage of the population reporting that they feel European. It is within the power of the EU to foster the development of European identification via democratic and effective policies.

Key words: European identity, European Union, national identity, nations, collective trust, support.