EconPOL
2018
Sarah Ciaglia, Clemens Fuest, Friedrich Heinemann and others
The ECONPol Policy Report titled "What a feeling?! How to promote ‘European Identity’" explores the concept of European identity as a crucial element for enhancing European integration. Published by EconPOL, this report emerges against a backdrop of declining public support for the European project, particularly highlighted by the United Kingdom's decision to leave the EU. The authors, Sarah Ciaglia, Clemens Fuest, and Friedrich Heinemann, delve into how a shared European identity, while coexisting with national identities, can foster trust and cooperation among member states. The study emphasizes the importance of distinguishing European identity from mere support for the EU. By examining empirical trends and synthesizing insights from existing literature, the report identifies key determinants that shape European identity. It goes beyond theoretical perspectives by offering a pragmatic classification of measures aimed at promoting this identity. The authors categorize these measures based on their ability to create ‘civic’ versus ‘cultural’ identities and their role in enhancing legitimacy through both input and output functions. To provide actionable solutions, the report elaborates on six innovative proposals to strengthen European identity. These include initiatives such as transnational party lists, the establishment of an EU Citizens’ Assembly, and the introduction of a ‘European Waltz’ program. Each proposal is designed to engage citizens and promote a sense of belonging to a collective European identity, ultimately contributing to a more integrated and cooperative Europe.
What a feeling?! How to promote ‘European Identity’
Sarah Ciaglia, Clemens Fuest, Friedrich Heinemann
@October 10, 2018 2:00 PM (GMT+2)
Abstract
Despite the great achievements for peace and economic prosperity, the European project has recently been challenged with public support being on decline in many member states, culminating in the decision of the United Kingdom to leave the EU. Against this background, this study looks into ‘European identity’ as a concept of fundamental importance for European integration. In the economic literature, ‘identity’ has been increasingly recognized as a crucial driver of individual behavior with joint group identities as a precondition for trustful cooperation. Hence, some type of European identity (in addition to, not replacing national identities) can be regarded as one of the underlying preconditions for the European project.
Against this background, this study develops the contents and nuances of the ‘European identity’ terminology as distinct from other categories like EU support. It empirically describes ongoing trends and comprehensively summarizes the literature’s insights on the important determinants of European identity. On the basis of identified determinants and target groups a classification of measures to promote European identity is developed. This classification is based on the distinctions between a ‘civic’ and a ‘cultural’ European identity on the one hand and between the ‘input’ and ‘output legitimacy’-creating function of potential measures.
Based on this classification and survey of possible approaches for the advancement of European identity we give a broad overview on possible approaches to foster European identity. We elaborate six proposals in more detail: transnational party lists, an EU Citizens’ Assembly, EU consular offices, Pensioners’ Erasmus, a ‘European Waltz’ program, and an EU public service broadcaster.