The Construction of European Identity

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Questions and Answers

When did the European Union's cultural education competences begin?

In 1949 (correct)

After World War 2

In the 1970s

With the formation of the Council of the European Union

What is a paradox in the European Union's identity construction?

The fast reconciliation and unification of Europe after World War 2, but a low degree of identification to Europe among citizens (correct)

The high degree of identification to Europe among citizens

The slow integration of Europe after World War 2

The lack of cultural education competences in the EU

What is a collective identity based on?

Personal identity characteristics

Large and potentially important group differences (correct)

EU membership

Individual interactions

What is the Council of the European Union composed of?

The ministers when they meet in their respective policy fields Signup and view all the answers

Why is reflecting on the construction of European Identity important?

To explore the paradox of European integration and identity Signup and view all the answers

What is social identity based on?

Interaction processes in which persons identify others and are identified by them Signup and view all the answers

What is the main challenge in the symbolic construction of the European Union concept?

Encompassing countries with different histories without 'othering' devices Signup and view all the answers

When was the concept of intercultural dialogue introduced in EU policies?

Late 90's, 2000's Signup and view all the answers

What is the main assumption of the intercultural dialogue concept?

That certain populations are radically different from the major European identity Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of the clashing of member states over migration issues?

The development of a restrictive migration policy Signup and view all the answers

What is the social construction of migration in the EU context?

A security question Signup and view all the answers

What is the main goal of the EU's intercultural dialogue policies?

To engage in dialogue with discriminated populations Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary motivation behind Germany's support for the European integration project?

Desire to assuage the fears of other Europeans in light of the Holocaust and World War II Signup and view all the answers

What was a major factor contributing to low levels of British support for European integration?

Strong British nationalism and the concept of the 'island effect' Signup and view all the answers

Why did the Constitutional treaty get rejected in France?

Because of the far-left's criticism of European integration Signup and view all the answers

What was a primary reason for Italy's support for the European integration project?

To re-integrate into the international arena after the Fascist era Signup and view all the answers

What was the irony in the German approach to the EU, according to Diez Medrano (2010)?

Germany's support for the EU was rooted in its desire to assuage the fears of other Europeans Signup and view all the answers

What was the UKIP's primary message during the Brexit campaign?

Anti-elites and anti-migrants Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Post-Colonial Agreements and European Integration

France has agreements with post-colonial countries.
Germany organized the arrival of many Turkish workers recently.

European Enlargement and Diversity

The enlargement of Europe is an opportunity to increase diversity, with 10 more countries bringing their different histories.
Some countries have spatial ties with Ottoman history and heritage, making it a challenge to encompass them in a "European" narrative without "othering" devices.

Concept of Intercultural Dialogue

The EU developed policies for the respect of Roma citizens, who have been subjected to racist stereotyping.
Intercultural dialogue was introduced in EU policies in the late 1990s and 2000s as a reaction to increased diversity.
This dialogue targets discriminated populations that are excluded from many discourses, assuming they are radically different from the major European identity.

Migration and "Othering" Strategies

The migration crisis in 2015 led to a failure for European countries, resulting in the development of a restrictive migration policy.
Social construction of migration into a security question started in 1949, with the Council of the European Union playing a key role.

European Identity

Despite the incredibly fast reconciliation and unification of Europe after WW2, there is a low degree of identification to Europe among citizens.
European institutions constantly refer to European identity and culture, but it is unclear what European culture is.
Definition of identity:
- Personal identity: stable characteristics that make a person unique.
- Social identity: interaction processes of identification with others.
- Collective identities: social identities based on large group differences (e.g., gender, social class, age, ethnicity, national belonging).

National Attitudes towards European Integration

France: Gaullist policy of prestige and international independence, promoting national integration.
Germany: supportive of European integration to alleviate fears of other Europeans due to the Holocaust and World War II.
UK: low levels of support due to emotional attachment to the Empire and differentiation from colonized subject populations.
Italy: EU membership as a way to re-integrate into the international arena after the Fascist era.

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Description

Explore the history and development of the European identity, from its early beginnings to the present day. Learn about the role of intergovernmental organizations, private institutional actors, and policy entrepreneurs in shaping European culture and identity.