Who are the Europeans now?

Abstract:

The search for identity by the new Europeans of the European Union has absorbed volumes of commentary by writers from widespread disciplines for the past decade or more. Many suggest that the European identity can only prosper at the demise of national identities. This volume offers an alternative perspective.

The work is organised over ten chapters. The first chapter explores the changing nature of international border areas and the impact that has upon the notions of sovereignty held by nation states. European citizenship and its importance in developing the European identity is the focus of chapter two. The discussion progresses in chapter three to the question of legitimacy and the restraining influence of the public perception of identity in Europe being primarily one of a particular national identity within Europe. Chapter four asks the question 'who governs Europe?' and explores the attempts to empower citizens through improved representation and devolvement of decision making.

The part to be played by regional policy is examined in chapter five which explores the growing sense of identity seen among regional groupings. The sense of identity brought about through monetary union and the creation of the euro is featured in chapter six. The traditional European identity which had its foundation in the Judaeo-Christian mould is currently being challenged by the growing influence of Islam, and this is explored in chapter seven. The fixed notions of cultural identity that divide the communities of Northern Ireland are explored in chapter eight. Those divisions may have been the spur which prompted the level of police cooperation between Ireland and Europe - this is discussed in chapter nine. The closing chapter considers the impact of the eastern extension of the EU upon European identity.

The work will interest scholars and students of European studies and European integration.

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