Who are the <scp>E</scp>uropeans? <scp>E</scp>uropean Identity Outside of <scp>E</scp>uropean Integration

Abstract

Abstract What do we know about the relationship between E urope, the E uropean U nion and E uropean identity? While national identity is a multifaceted phenomenon, E uropean identity has been linked to the growth of the E uropean U nion. This article attempts to analyze some of the attributes of individuals with E uropean identity in central and eastern E urope prior to EU accession by applying existing hypotheses on correlates of E uropean identity. The phenomenon of identification with E urope prior to EU accession provides a window into understanding the identity mechanisms that inform the concept of E uropean identity. The first Eurobarometer surveys measuring E uropean identification in central and eastern accession states reported a puzzling finding: that more people, not less, identified with Europe than in existing EU states. An analysis of the Eurobarometer results provides counter‐intuitive comparisons and contrasts between eastern and western E urope and uncovers potential mechanisms illustrating the content of contemporary E uropean identity.