In God we Trust? Identity, Institutions and International Solidarity in Europe

Abstract

AbstractSeveral recent studies show that citizens' identification with Europe is one of the most important determinants of support for EU integration, that may also hold the key to greater economic solidarity and support for international redistribution. This article proposes a multidimensional conception of European identity, and that citizens' support for redistribution within the EU is highly contingent not only on the level of identification with Europe but also on the nature of their feeling of belonging to the community. In particular, we suggest that citizens who feel European, based on civic ties, are more likely to support redistribution than those who instead identify with Europe on the basis of religion and in particular, Christianity. Using unique and newly collected regional‐level data, we found support for these claims. Thus, not only if, or how much, but also why citizens identify with Europe matters for the level of social solidarity across borders.