The Political Basis of the European Identity

Abstract

The concept of European identity is understood as an attempt to consolidate the process of European integration that would provide the European Union with a more stable future. This is why, generally speaking, the concept has gained its full relevance with the entry into force of the Mastricht Treaty in 1993, establishing the European Union, thus ever growing integration. Under the concept of European identity, it is not enough to be within the borders of the EU. One can become “more” European by accepting what is considered to be European norms and values while at the same time having appreciation for the background. The European identity is expressed by trying to speak the local language, by trying to assimilate and integrate to the extent that will facilitate our everyday life in the given environment, by respecting an opportunity to be part of such an environment, etc. The official establishment of the concept of the European identity during the 1973 Copenhagen Summit at that point was a political category as a foreign policy tool. Since then, it moved from political to social category and back. For example, the veil issue has moved from being a cultural issue to become a political issue and this also has implications for the development of European identity. The politicization of European identity in international scientific circles is more of a question as a practical reality versus efforts of the Union for Americanization of European cultural space that imposes globalization to the values of culture, especially the media space.