(Re)Constructing Europe: Has a Common Identity Integrated Europe?
(Re)Constructing Europe: Has a Common Identity Integrated Europe?

Summary/Abstract: The paper discusses the significance and role of European identity in establishing and functioning within the European Union. It begins with an overview of the key assumptions of the constructivist approach and its contributions to the study of international relations. Furthermore, special attention is paid to the theoretical definition of identity and to the consideration of the constitutive elements of the European Union's collective identity, particularly focusing on the values encompassed within its content. The construction of European identity, particularly in terms of culture and civic-political values, is emphasised as the foundation of this identity. Additionally, the concrete significance and role of European identity in initiating regional integration in Europe, which serves as one of the prerequisites for the formation of the European Community, namely the European Union, are discussed. The paper also presents the various roles of European identity in the functioning of European integration, particularly regarding the aim of EC/EU representatives to construct this identity and to present culture and shared values as the foundation of European integration through various discourses and relevant documents. In this context, the paper examines the role of European identity in strengthening cohesion among EU citizens and enhancing the legitimacy of the EU, as well as its impact on citizens’ identification with the EU. Moreover, the role of European identity in the enlargement of the European Union is also addressed, considering its fundamental values. Alongside discussing the role of identity in European integration, the paper highlights some of the obstacles to its realisation

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