European values and EU identity

Abstract

Research objective: European Integration has without a doubt resulted in the aforementioned European Values and European Identity however while there are studies, journals, and opinion pieces on both of them, there is a lack of information regarding how they directly and indirectly affect one another. The objective of this dissertation is attempting to address is to analyse any considerable relationship between European Values and European Identity. Methods: The method for acquiring information about the dissertation was based on a review of the literature on European Values and European Identity by an assortment of academics specialised in their respective fields. Data had also been carried out through the form of surveys and published online by the Eurobarometer, these surveys were conducted in every member state of the European Union where citizens were asked an assortment of questions relating to European Values and European Identity. Key results: Analysing the data provided by the Eurobarometer and subsequently using the context provided by the academics in the literature review, one can come to the conclusion that European Values does contribute to the development of European Identity in a direct relationship. The data also shows that determining what values the European Union chooses to promote, different demographics respond differently to their perception towards the EU as well as their affinity towards the idea of a united Europe. Conclusion: The results indicate that European Values are considered to be the first to evolve from the Integration of institutions, the spreading of shared values later form the bedrock for the cultivation of an EU identity which also according to the data amplifies the spread of European Values thus making it a cyclical phenomenon. Further research is however needed as the data used for the discovery of the correlation between European Values and European Identity was obtained from a singular report from the Eurobarometer in 2015 as such according to the scientific model. The lack of repetitive research on the topic suggests that the conclusion may not be fully concrete and only further research can address this issue.