German and European experiences in developing national identity and patriotism – sheer resemblances or mutual inspirations?

Abstract

The problem of a common European identity and a group of values that are recognizable for the whole European community seems nowadays to be a more current topic than ever before. The European Union has become a highly developed bureaucratic community, with special tools to conduct foreign policy in the most rudimentary questions. It has been strengthened by the reforming treaty of Lisbon which came into force in 2009 and rendered it a widely respected organization. The questions of a European identity, however, have grown larger in the public discourse and appear to express the necessity of confirming a group of shared interests and values. The question arises whether this European identity is a concept held only by the leading European politicians and bureaucrats; also by the societies of the member states; or whether it is solely an abstract idea that cannot be put into practice, especially considering the fact that many European states still encounter obstacles in defining their own identity.