European Identity: The Death of National Era?: European Identity: A Pyramid of Identities with European Identity at the top

This book examines identity and the nature of European identity through analyzing different theories which help to define in which theories can European identity be ascribed to. It offers scholars' reflection over European identity and makes a definition of European identity. It argues that different from national identities, European identity is a post-national identity. European identity is based on human and civic rights as well as on 'constitutional patriotism'. In the second chapter it explains the role of European identity on the constitutional ratification (2004) as well as demonstrates the contribution of the Constitutional Treaty (2004) on the consolidation of European identity. It draws conclusion over the European constitution and its future. The relationship between the constitution, representing higher stage of EU integration, and European identity is mutual. They both affect in further evolution of each other. The third chapter confronts European identity with national identities in EU and draws conclusions about weather European identity will supersede national identities of Europe, as well as demonstrates the erosion of national identities in Europe; conclusions are supported by statistical data published in several Eurobarometers. The data published in the form of a table in this chapter trace the consolidation degree of European identity from 1992 to 2008. The last chapter argues about the existence of a European civic demos (similar to that of the USA) as well as gives scholars criticisms over the national views on demos conceptualization.

This book sheds light over the evolution and the role of European identity. It is targeted to European citizens and politicians.

The failure of the European Constitutional Treaty and the subsequent stagnation of deeper EU integration were conditioned by the low degree of European Identity.