Europeisk identitet

Abstract

European identity is a topic constantly debated around Europe. There are many takes on whether there is a European identity and what the European identity consists of. In the European Union the Commission has worked towards developing a common European identity since the middle of the 1970‘s. The development of a European identity is an important part in the commission‘s quest to tie the union and its people closer together. This bachelor-thesis attempts to examine the relationship between the Commission and European identity. By analysing speeches made by Commissioner Ján Figel the goal is to get a clearer view of what kind of European identity the commission is trying to communicate to its citizens and how that identity is constructed. The result is that the image of European identity the commission is trying to develop is based on a set of common values: the respect for human rights, democracy, Christianity and a common cultural heritage. Even though these values are the foundation, the Commissions image of European identity is a dynamic process in constant development.