European Identity

To Open Up or Close Down

Abstract

The essay focuses on the cultural dimension of the European integration process, a dimension, which is lagging behind the other two dimensions, such as the economic – most advanced and successful – and the political – moderately developed – of the integration. Starting with the general notion of identity, individual and collective, it comes to the conclusion that the most important form of collective identity is the national identity. European identity, while only secondary to the national one, is also based upon a common historic heritage, primarily on the Christianity rooted in the Judaeo-Christian tradition, the antique culture as well as the Roman law. Another interesting question is, whether there is a special Central European version of European identity and what are the characteristics of this part of Europe, again formed and shaped by history, such as defensive wars against the invasions of aggressive outside powers, and for this reason a very close link between the national identity and Christianity, as well as the strong attachment to the „espace de civilisation” of Europe. The recognition and the strengthening of the cultural heritage of the continent as a Geschichtsraum, a Kulturraum as well as a Wertegemeinschaft is an essential prerequisite for the successful continuation of the European integration process.