To be a European citizen - Eros and civilization

Abstract

Abstract This essay, the 1997 Jean Monnet Lecture at the London School of Economics, explores the relationship between nationality, democracy and European integration in the context of the debate on European citizenship. Citizenship, an integral part of the vocabulary of statehood, nationality and peoplehood, seems to run into conflict with the very Telos of European integration: a project which aims at a union among the distinct peoples of Europe and not the creation of a new European people. And yet, absence of such a European demos undermines the democratic legitimacy of the Union. This articles explores, inter alia , various models of multiple demoi as a way of addressing this conundrum. It also suggests some ideas for enhancing the mechanics of transnational citizenship. Keywords: DemocracyEuropeanCitizenshipIdentityNationality