Identity and European integration: diversity as a source of integration¹

Abstract

This article explores the concept of European Union identity and its significance for European integration by drawing upon insights from theories of nationalism and national identity. European Union identity is viewed as an ongoing process which is banal, contingent and contextual. The central hypothesis is that: European integration facilitates the flourishing of diverse national identities rather than convergence around a single homogeneous European Union identity. The role of the EU as facilitator for diverse understandings of collective identities encourages the enhabitation of the EU at an everyday level and the reinforcement of a sense of banal Europeanism which is a crucial aspect of the European integration process. Facilitating diversity may thus provide a vital source of dynamism for the integration process. A working rule for integrationExperience would thus suggest a general rule for integration. To be acceptable as a substitute for special group facilities -local, national, or even segregated onesintegrated facilities must usually be better facilities. International government and administration would have to be better than the national governments and the national administrations it would replace. And it would have to be better not just in the opinion of distant experts who arrive by airplane to check the accounting books but also in the experiences and emotions, in the feelings and daily lives of the populations directly concerned. No capabilities for such international government are now in sight (Deutsch 1969: 171).The process does not abolish nations as politico-cultural communities. It may create space for the flourishing of nations, and in a significantly qualified sense, of nationalism (MacCormick 1999: 302).

Research Methods in European Union Studies

“…There is a growing recognition that while few would 'die for Europe' (Smith, 1995: 139) daily exposure to EU related norms, symbols and practices is likely to play a role in shaping identification with and support for the EU (e.g. Cram, 2001Cram, , 2009aTrenz, 2004Trenz, , 2006Priban, 2009;. As Billig (1995) has argued, the national flag is only one of the many daily reminders of belonging that citizens, even in established nations, encounter.…”

Beyond the crisis: The societal effects of the European transformation

“…37 As Hans-Joerg Trenz has noted, in this view: The former, vertical, is what we are accustomed to from the national setting.…”

Nation, Migration, Identity: Learning from the Cross‐Strait Context

“…The literature argues that, within this context, patterns of identification and belonging have changed considerably as a consequence of the social and economic exchanges occurring with the liberalization of borders that has taken place in the last few decades. Although several scholars argue that national identity is still prevalent amongst European citizens, there is general agreement on the fact that transnational migration within this region has contributed to the emergence of supra‐national identities (Cram, ; Tonkiss, ; Wodak and Boukala, ).…”