The Influence of European Identity on Integration Efforts

The EU's recurrent crises underline its complex and debated nature. Truly grasping its intricacies is key to understanding the tie between European identity and integration. Central to the discourse are questions on whether a shared European identity influences member selection or if the emphasis is on upholding democratic values. Academic discussions have often overlooked a holistic examination of integration processes, treating EU expansions as standalone events without delving deep into the relationship between integration and European identity. This paper posits that the absence of a unified European identity, and subsequently, citizens' disassociation from Europe and its political structures, steers the course of integration, potentially causing stagnation or progression. It seeks to unravel: the nature of EU expansion, the current meaning of European identity versus EU identity, and the influence of identity (or its absence) on integration. Concludingly, it suggests that the EU identity's role in integration is a balance between constructivism and rationalism. Support for the EU seems rooted in citizens' perceived overarching benefits, encompassing peace, democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.   Received: 05 May 2023 / Accepted: 21 June 2023 / Published: 23 July 2023