Perceptions of European identity among EU citizens: an empirical study

Perceptions of European identity among EU citizens: an empirical study Public Deposited

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Creator

Austin, Margaret R.
- Affiliation: College of Arts and Sciences, Department of Political Science

Abstract

EU citizens' perceptions of European identity say much about the process of European integration and the development of EU institutions. This study explores European identity as it is described by EU citizens who positively identify themselves with Europe and the EU. This objective is approached through the following research questions: in which contexts are individuals aware of feeling "European" and in which contexts are they aware of feeling their respective national identities? How does European identity relate to national identity? To what extent is European identity developed by EU policy and to what extent does it emerge through individuals themselves? What kinds of communicative actions stimulate European identity? And how does foreign language proficiency affect sense of European identity? This research is significant for the reason that understanding how individuals identify with others influences how they perceive their own interests and therefore influences how they act and organize politically.

Date of publication