I recently reviewed the 2024 Annual Survey of UK Public Opinion on Foreign Policy and Global Affairs. It showed that 54% of British people identify themselves as patriots, 51% as European, and 47% as global citizens. There has been an increase in Britain’s identification with the term patriot, while 44% refuse to identify themselves as Europeans.
I was born in Ukraine to Ukrainian parents; I live in the UK and have British citizenship. I studied in Paris for three years and can speak French. Personally, I think Ukraine, Britain and France are part of Europe. In addition to my Ukrainian identity by birth, British identity by residence, and a slight attachment to France, I can claim that I am also European. But this poses a question – what is a European identity, and how essential is it now in this chaotic world?
The problem of identity
I first read about the question of European identity in the book by Francis Fukuyama, Identity: Contemporary Identity Politics and the Struggle for Recognition. He writes that after founding the European Union, the leaders of the EU did not invest an effort in building an alternative new identity – they did not create a single European citizenship. The symbols of nationhood, such as a flag and an anthem, came later, and the EU’s diverse membership has no common civic education, added by the failure in the democratic accountability of the EU.
Britain was an EU member that never fully accepted a European identity. It possessed a “loud Eurosceptic fringe”, and its Euroscepticism was rooted in a “long-standing belief in English exceptionalism”. He adds that national identity in Europe is “today confused” because proponents of the European Union have not succeeded in creating a strong sense of pan-European identity that supersedes the identities of its member states. In addition, Europe has experienced a growing immigration crisis.
Yuval Noah Harari, in 21 Lessons for the 21st Century, writes that the European Union’s draft Constitution states that“while remaining proud of their own national identities and history, the peoples of Europe are determined to transcend their former divisions and, united ever more closely, to forge a common identity”. He argues that we need a new global identity because “national institutions are incapable of handling a set of unprecedented global predicaments”, that “there is no contradiction between globalism and patriotism” because “patriotism is about taking care of your compatriots”, and this protection requires cooperation with foreigners.
Creating a shared European identity
When looking at European identity, the question arises of whether the feeling of Europe being a unitary community in terms of politics, culture, and society has emerged since its foundation. Most scholars agree on the existence of a European identity in some sense, but there is no consensus on its scope. What matters is for countries to be identified as European, holding the same values, and chasing the same vision. The self-image of their home country influences a citizen’s values.
One of the challenges Europe faces concerns the ability to have competing and seemingly disparate cultures converge in one shared space. Seeing how different elements contribute to identification with the same cultural unit is complex. The EU governance structures and regional polity have not been enough to create a feeling of shared European identity and have created political tensions based on two contending allegiances – one towards the nation and another towards Europe – but the two are not mutually exclusive.
National identity should not become an antithesis of European identity. This has been exemplified in Ukraine, where identification with the EU and Europe is also an expression of patriotism consonant with Ukrainian national identity and the preservation of territorial integrity and national sovereignty. An appreciation of the national identity can also be interpreted as an appreciation of that which is European and of identification with Europe.
The rise of the right-wing and far-right parties across Europe
We can see how European countries, one by one, are getting ‘conquered’ by the far-right.
- Hungary – Viktor Orban.
- Slovakia – Robert Fico.
- Austria – the victory of the Freedom Party.
- Netherlands – the victory of Geert Wilders.
- Romania – Calin Georgescu won the first round of elections and was annulled by the Constitutional Court.
- Germany – the rise of the Alternative for Germany.
- Italy – Giorgia Meloni (the only right-wing leader whom I actually admire because of support for Ukraine and who has been more pragmatic towards the EU).
Britain is not immune either, which was shown by the far-right riots and the rise in support of the Reform UK. The tendency is explained by multiple factors: rising immigration, economic decline, misinformation, the loss of trust in the establishment and traditional politics. The rise of the far-right will only be making Europe’s problems worse – the restrictions on democracy, the hateful and populist rhetoric with polarizing and divisional effects, and close connections to Russia.
European identity is still weak among the citizens across European countries. However, this can be strengthened without people losing their national identity and patriotic feelings towards their own states. Being European can even be incorporated into national identity and pride. Close European cooperation to foster a common European identity is something that will serve as a unifying force at challenging times and will motivate people across European countries (not just members of the European Union) to create a stronger Europe that will be able to face and deal with all problems.
European values
Values bind people and communities across countries. Identity and culture are also intrinsically linked to the values embraced by a particular society. The poll of the values of EU citizens shows that, for them, the most important values are the independence of the judiciary, equality before the law, the right to a fair trial, and freedom of conscience (freedom of thought, expression and religion).
Among other values, EU citizens respect the right to personal and family life, equality between men and women, the prohibition of any discrimination, the right to peaceful assembly and demonstration, the support of vulnerable people by the national government, and the freedom of movement across the EU. However, the values least supported by the EU are the right to political asylum and the rejection of the death penalty.
Trump’s election, the rise of the far-right in Europe, Russia’s war in Ukraine and the increase of China’s world power should become a wake-up call that democracy in Europe is about to face a battle for survival. The emphasis on the existence of European values will highlight Europe’s place and influence in the world order. It is another thing that will contribute to the creation of European identity. It is something that will unite people across the region – from those who were born and lived in Europe to those who arrived to make Europe their home and work towards its prosperity and those who found protection there from wars, terrorism and human rights violations.
Democracy, the rule of law, freedom, and human rights should come to mind when people, both in Europe and outside it, talk about Europe. Cherishing, supporting, promoting, and strengthening these values are a part of European culture and identity.
Britain’s connection to European identity
Britain embraced both British and European identities after the Second World War. European integration was a response and an endeavour built on the shared desire for cooperation, unity, and protection from the threat of war. Without it, there is a risk Britain will become diminished. However, there is a chance for the British European spirit to thrive if there is a commitment to build it.
Despite Britain leaving the European Union, Britain is still geographically placed in the European region. It continues to play a significant role in Europe’s economic development and defence, and it shares the commitment to the same European values. This means that whatever struggles Europe is facing, Britain is affected too. At these difficult times, embracing both British and European identities can become one of the tools to create a basis for close cooperation between Britain and the rest of Europe to become strong partners.
Even without an EU membership, we can highlight that Britain remains a European country that will lead and contribute to the creation of an economically prosperous Europe, one that is ready to defend itself against aggression, one that is ready to contribute to the international development of the world, one that stands up for democratic values and one that has national pride in its history, culture, strength and achievements.
