The Paradox of European Identity: Concept, Formation and the Challenge of a ‘Constructed’ Europe

Abstract

This paper aims at exploring the EU’s discourse on European identity in order to better examine the concept, formation and challenges toward the issue of European identity. Not a few discussions have been made concerning this issue,but they have yet to conceptualize European identity in the EU context in concrete terms. Basically, the concept of Europe is difficult to define due to its geographical vulnerability. The idea of Europe has been shaped by the various philosophical and religious values which prevailed in the region of Europe in different ways and at different times. The idea of European integration after WWII reflected Europeans’ long-cherished yearning to revive ‘one Europe,’ which had continued for a long-period of history. However, European integration has proceeded without an in-depth consideration of such European values. This led to the continuation of adopting Eurocentric views against those of non-European culture in the long run. However, it should be noted that existing Eurocentrism will be a stumbling block to the ongoing ‘deepening’ process when other cultures inevitably mix within the Union. In this respect, more efforts should be made toward establishing the values and norms of a new Europe. This would be made possible by creating a public sphere in the Union where all the stakeholders involved can communicate. Education of ‘civic value’ and the establishment of a public sphere through media are essential as well.