Rethinking unity in diversity: the potential of European identity in rapidly diversifying societies

Abstract

Europe seems deeply divided due to recent crises such as the EURO crisis and the Brexit. Moreover, the EU seems unable to entice its citizens and the construction of a shared European identity seems more distant than ever. Yet, in this paper, I argue that this is testimony to a specific and limited view on European identity construction and focuses solely on the experiences of so-called native Europeans. There are clear indications that a sense of Europeanness is emerging among ethnic minority groups across Europe and that they are becoming key actors in European identity formation. Yet, they are currently rarely acknowledged as such. This paper argues that their identity processes can be understood as strategies by groups that feel excluded from national identities but do (want to) feel at home in ‘Europe’. The paper ends with a discussion of the potential opportunities and pitfalls of an ‘ambiguous’ European identity.