Public Attitudes and Identity in European Integration
Summary
Public attitudes towards European integration are shaped by an interplay of identity, interest and context. Citizens’ attachments—whether to local, national or European communities—influence their willingness to endorse shared institutions, fiscal transfers and policy harmonisation. At the same time, considerations of self-interest, such as perceived economic gains or losses, colour evaluations of supranational measures. The salience of identity often rises in periods of crisis: economic shocks, migration pressures and political contestation can reinforce national attachments or fuel pan-European solidarity. Moreover, attitudes are heterogeneous across regions and demographic groups, reflecting variations in prosperity, governance and exposure to EU programmes. The Brexit referendum provides a prominent example of how nativist sentiment and anti-elite attitudes can converge to shape membership choices. Yet in many member states, support for deeper integration persists when citizens perceive tangible benefits in areas such as social protection, infrastructure or environmental policy. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for policymakers seeking to bolster the Union’s legitimacy and design institutions that accommodate diverse loyalties and expectations.
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Public Attitudes and Identity in European Integration publication trend
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Technical terms
European integration: The process of political, economic and legal unification among European states through shared institutions and policies.
European identity: A sense of belonging to a supranational community that transcends national boundaries within Europe.
Euroscepticism: Attitudes of doubt or opposition towards the European Union and the process of integration.
Transnational solidarity: Willingness of citizens in one country to support financial, social or political measures benefiting other member states.
References
- Regional inequalities and transnational solidarity in the European Union. Political Geography (2023).
- Opportunity or threat? Public attitudes towards EU freedom of movement. Journal of European Public Policy (2018).
- Collective Identities, European Solidarity: Identification Patterns and Preferences for European Social Insurance. JCMS Journal of Common Market Studies (2020).
- Populist referendum: Was ‘Brexit’ an expression of nativist and anti-elitist sentiment?. Research & Politics (2018).
- Juncker's Curse? Identity, Interest, and Public Support for the Integration of Core State Powers. JCMS Journal of Common Market Studies (2020).
- All spending is not equal: European Union public spending, policy feedback and citizens’ support for the EU. European Journal of Political Research (2017).
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