Między tożsamością narodową a europejską. Głos sceptyka

Abstract

The Author starts with a question whether a nation is a counterbalance to a unified Europe. In order to find the answer, the notion of group identity is evoked. The Author argues that the notion of European identity — which is just being coined — does not have any roots in ethnic or linguistic communities — contrary to national identity which has been shaped through ages. Neither territorial community, or political community or economic interests constitute equally strong a bond as cultural dimension — a heritage that has evolved from common roots and strong mutual interactions within an imagined community. National identity is of historical character and is based on the memory of past years of a nation’s existence. “European identity” is a rather weak equivalent to national identity. In order to build an European identity, one would have to ponder which variant of Europe’s history to choose. So far European identity cannot refer to any continuum. Its dimensions are not as variable as that of national identity. And its power of influence is rather week. This is why, despite the fact that both identities are relatively compatible, i.e. they do not exclude each other, and one cannot replace the other. Thus, the author concludes that any and all fears of a nation’s “dilution” within a uniform “European state” are groundless.