THE FIRST STEPS TOWARDS A EUROPEAN IDENTITY

Abstract

The paper herein is a contest analysis of an official text entitled "Document on The European Identity", signed and assumed in 1973 in Copenhagen by the foreign Ministers of the European Community. In our opinion it is the first authorized document that tried to define the European Identity. Thus, the ideas revealed by the document clarify, to some extent, the concept that was defined as European Identity. [PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]

Headnote

Abstract:

The paper herein is a contest analysis of an official text entitled "Document on The European Identity", signed and assumed in 1973 in Copenhagen by the foreign Ministers of the European Community. In our opinion it is the first authorized document that tried to define the European Identity. Thus, the ideas revealed by the document clarify, to some extent, the concept that was defined as European Identity.

Keywords: European identity, European Union, Relationships, third countries

European identity24 is a complex concept that evolved in time and which is difficult to be defined due to its meanings in different fields: psychology, linguistics, history and politics. The specialists that are preoccupied with this subject have tried to define it from different perspectives (political, social, economic and cultural).25 Consequently, it is difficult to reach a unanimous definition due to its multidisciplinary aspects.

The paper herein is a content analysis of the document entitled Document on The European Identity26 written in December 1973, in Copenhagen, by the Nine Foreign Ministers of the European Communities. We have to underline that back then the European Community was made up of nine countries. Accordingly, the signatories of this document were Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom.

The aim of this scientific work is to analyse and better understand the meaning of this concept. After 21 years since the first attempts to create a political and economic union, the nine member countries properly considered that it was time to move on and elaborate additional documents that could help in consolidating and explaining their unity. The document is structured around three major pillars: unity, relations with the rest of the word and the dynamic nature of European unification.

The Nine Member Countries of the European Communities have decided that the time has come to draw up a document on the European Identity. This will enable them to achieve a better definition of their relations with other countries and of their responsibilities and the place which they occupy in world affairs. They have decided to define the European Identity with the dynamic nature of the Community in mind. They have the intention of carrying the work further in the future in the light of the progress made in the construction of a United Europe.

Defining the European Identity involves:

- reviewing the common heritage, interests and special obligations of the Nine, as well as the degree of unity so far achieved within the Community,

- assessing the extent to which the Nine are already acting together in relation to the rest of the world and the responsibilities which result from this,

- taking into consideration the dynamic nature of European unification.

The first aspect that they underlined and focused on was the Unity among them. The past resentments were overcome. Now they are assumed. Unity, in their opinion, was the essential feature of their cooperation and more than this was considered a fundamental necessity that could allow them to survive together. Along with this unity, civilization is the other aspect that joins them. Moreover, they name the characteristics of the European Identity: democracy, as a form of government, limited governmental powers, absence of corruption, enhanced security, fundamental rights, open government, regulatory enforcement, civil justice, criminal justice, informed justice27, social justice and respect for human rights. Thus, its features belong to political, economic, social and cultural fields. European identity is strongly linked to the people and the member states are aware of the fact that only with people's support can they achieve it.

I. The Unity of the Nine Member Countries of the Community

1. The Nine European States might have been pushed towards disunity by their history and by selfishly defending misjudged interests. But they have overcome their past enmities and have decided that unity is a basic European necessity to ensure the survival of the civilization which they have in common.

The Nine wish to ensure that the cherished values of their legal, political and moral order are respected, and to preserve the rich variety of their national cultures. Sharing as they do the same attitudes to life, based on a determination to build a society which measures up to the needs of the individual, they are determined to defend the principles of representative democracy, of the rule of law, of social justice - which is the ultimate goal of economic progress - and of respect for human rights. All of these are fundamental elements of the European Identity. The Nine believe that this enterprise corresponds to the deepest aspirations of their peoples who should participate in its realization, particularly through their elected representatives.

The second article brings into discussion the political and economic aspect of the European Identity. Institutions, common policies and tools for co-operations are other pillars that the European identity relies on. Being satisfied with the result so far, the leaders took an assumed role to continue the cooperation among them and even more, to go along with it in order to be able to create a European Union.

2. The Nine have the political will to succeed in the construction of a united Europe. On the basis of the Treaties of Paris and Rome setting up the European Communities and of subsequent decisions, they have created a common market, based on a customs union, and have established institutions, common policies and machinery for co-operation. All these are an essential part of the European Identity. The Nine are determined to safeguard the elements which make up the unity they have achieved so far and the fundamental objectives laid down for future development at the Summit Conferences in The Hague and Paris. On the basis of the Luxembourg and Copenhagen reports, the Nine Governments have established a system of political co-operation with a view to determining common attitudes and, where possible and desirable, common action. They propose to develop this further. In accordance with the decision taken at the Paris conference, the Nine reaffirm their intention of transforming the whole complex of their relations into a European Union before the end of the present decade.

The European Identity claims cultures. Culture claims civilization. The common European civilization is strongly emphasised here, underlining that the unity of a European Union is also due to the common heritage of the member states.

3. The diversity of cultures within the framework of a common European civilization, the attachment to common values and principles, the increasing convergence of attitudes to life, the awareness of having specific interests in common and the determination to take part in the construction of a United Europe, all give the European Identity its originality and its own dynamism.

The invitation for other member states to join the Community is open. In order to achieve this, one requirement is needed: to share same ideals and objectives. Thus, the idea that United Europe as an ongoing process is fully reflected by this openness to others.

4. The construction of a United Europe, which the Nine Member Countries of the Community are undertaking, is open to other European nations who share the same ideals and objectives.

Fully conscious by the fact that the international relations with other countries from different continents should not be neglected, the signatories openly express their wish to foster international development.

5. The European countries have, in the course of their history, developed close ties with many other parts of the world. These relationships, which will continue to evolve, constitute an assurance of progress and international equilibrium.

The idea of unity among the nine member states is reinforced once again, this time in the context of international relations. The international context being changed, the problems on the international political scene becoming more difficult, the only alternative that the nine member states had was to concentrate their efforts so as to create a genuine foreign policy. United in action and opinions, the Nine will be more effective on the international stage if they stay united.

6. Although in the past the European countries were individually able to play a major role on the international scene, present international problems are difficult for any of the Nine to solve alone. International developments and the growing concentration of power and responsibility in the hands of a very small number of great powers mean that Europe must unite and speak increasingly with one voice if it wants to make itself heard and play its proper role in the world.

Assuming the role of the world's largest trading group, the Community is open to new economic proposals. Its main aim from an economic perspective is to improve the life of all citizens.

7. The Community, the world's largest trading group, could not be a closed economic entity. It has close links with the rest of the world as regards its supplies and market outlets. For this reason the Community, while remaining in control of its own trading policies, intends to exert a positive influence on world economic relations with a view to the greater well-being of all.

Security policy is nevertheless one of the main aspects of each country's approach. Thus, it is on the agenda of the Nine:

8. The Nine, one of whose essential aims is to maintain peace, will never succeed in doing so if they neglect their own security. Those of them who are members of the Atlantic Alliance consider that in present circumstances there is no alternative to the security provided by the nuclear weapons of the United States and by the presence of North American forces in Europe: and they agree that in the light of the relative military vulnerability of Europe, the Europeans should, if they wish to preserve their independence, hold to their commitments and make constant efforts to ensure that they have adequate means of defense at their disposal.

Unity among the Nine is seen as a benefit for all countries around the world due to the fact that through this unity there are settled down the bases for cooperation with such counties. Thus, their message is a positive one. Having at the core of their actions the United Nations Charter, the Nine will do their best to come along with a common foreign policy that will harm no one. Independence, prosperity, security of all nations are a priority to them.

II. The European Identity in Relation to the World

9. The Europe of the Nine is aware that, as it unites, it takes on new international obligations. European unification is not directed against anyone, nor is it inspired by a desire for power. On the contrary, the Nine are convinced that their union will benefit the whole international community since it will constitute an element of equilibrium and a basis for co-operation with all countries, whatever their size, culture or social system. The Nine intend to play an active role in world affairs and thus to contribute, in accordance with the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter, to ensuring that international relations have a more just basis; that the independence and equality of States are better preserved; that prosperity is more equitably shared; and that the security of each country is more effectively guaranteed. In pursuit of these objectives the Nine should progressively define common positions in the sphere of foreign policy.

This article deals with the mechanisms that the Nine will adopt in future cooperation with third countries. Again, the unity amongst the Nine is reinforced as it is from the very beginning a compulsory aspect in establishing new relations. This entity is to be taken into account during common negotiations. Even if they negotiate in the best interest of their own nations, the agreed common positions of the Nine hold primacy.

10. As the Community progresses towards a common policy in relation to third countries, it will act in accordance with the following principles:

(a) The Nine, acting as a single entity, will strive to promote harmonious and constructive relations with these countries. This should not however jeopardize, hold back or affect the will of the Nine to progress towards European Union within the time limits laid down.

(b) In future when the Nine negotiate collectively with other countries, the institutions and procedures chosen should enable the distinct character of the European entity to be respected.

(c) In bilateral contacts with other countries, the Member States of the Community will increasingly act on the basis of agreed common positions.

Their decision to continue strong relations with the Member Countries of the Council of Europe and with other European countries is a priority of the Nine.

11. The Nine intend to strengthen their links, in the present institutional framework, with the Member Countries of the Council of Europe, and with other European countries with whom they already have friendly relations and close co-operation.

The policy for development aid at the global level becomes an objective of the Nine. They will act accordingly to put into practice this aim which has at its core the regulations of the Paris Summit Declaration.

12. The Nine attach essential importance to the Community 's policy of association. Without diminishing the advantages enjoyed by the countries with which it has special relations, the Community intends progressively to put into operation a policy for development aid on a worldwide scale in accordance with the principles and aims set out in the Paris Summit Declaration.

The international relations of the Nine will focus on Mediterranean and African countries. The aim of these relations is to ensure peace, to maintain stability and progress in the area.

13. The Community will implement its undertakings towards the Mediterranean and African countries in order to reinforce its long-standing links with these countries. The Nine intend to preserve their historical links with the countries of the Middle East and to cooperate over the establishment and maintenance of peace, stability and progress in the region.

The Nine and the US had, have and will have good relations due to their common heritage and principles. Fairness and companionship are two of the features that will consolidate their relations.

14. The close ties between the United States and Europe of the Nine - we share values and aspirations based on a common heritage - are mutually beneficial and must be preserved. These ties do not conflict with the determination of the Nine to establish themselves as a distinct and original entity. The Nine intend to maintain their constructive dialogue and to develop their co-operation with the United States on the basis of equality and in a spirit of friendship.

The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), established in 1961, whose mission is to promote policies that will improve the economic and social well-being of people around the world,28 is a key institution in developing further relations with two industrialized countries such as Japan and Canada.

15. The Nine also remain determined to engage in close co-operation and to pursue a constructive dialogue with the other industrialized countries, such as Japan and Canada, which have an essential role in maintaining an open and balanced world economic system. They appreciate the existing fruitful co-operation with these countries, particularly within the OECD.

The Nine show interest in maintaining respectful relations with the USSR and the Eastern communist countries. They encourage a foreign policy that is mutually advantageous.

16. The Nine have contributed, both individually and collectively to the first results of a policy of détente and co-operation with the USSR and the East European countries. They are determined to carry this policy further forward on a reciprocal basis.

China is perceived as a major player on the international political stage. Consequently, closer relations with the Chinese Government should be taken into account.

17. Conscious of the major role played by China in international affairs, the Nine intend to intensify their relations with the Chinese Government and to promote exchanges in various fields as well as contacts between European and Chinese leaders.

Cooperation with the Asian countries is an objective which concerns the foreign policy of the Nine. Thus, they show a special economic interest in this area by invoking, within an official document, the Declaration of Intent.

18. The Nine are also aware of the important role played by other Asian countries. They are determined to develop their relations with these countries as is demonstrated, as far as commercial relations are concerned, by the Declaration of Intent made by the Community at the time of its enlargement.

The Nine reiterate their intention to develop future relations with Latin American countries with whom they already have friendly ties. Even more, the agreements that they concluded should be perceived as basic points in the forthcoming cooperation.

19. The Nine are traditionally bound to the Latin American countries by friendly links and many other contacts; they intend to develop these. In this context they attach great importance to the agreements concluded between the European Community and certain Latin American countries.

The welfare of less favoured countries is a main concern of the Nine. They are fully aware that peace cannot be reached if there is a massive economic gap between developed and less developed countries. Moreover, they will concentrate their efforts so as to support this objective.

20. There can be no real peace if the developed countries do not pay more heed to the less favoured nations. Convinced of this fact, and conscious of their responsibilities and particular obligations, the Nine attach very great importance to the struggle against underdevelopment. They are, therefore, resolved to intensify their efforts in the fields of trade and development aid and to strengthen international co-operation to these ends.

The last article from this section is an overall provision expressing the idea of cooperation with third countries. This cooperation will have at the basis the unity of the Nine and their elementary goals.

21. The Nine will participate in international negotiations in an outward-looking spirit, while preserving the fundamental elements of their unity and their basic aims. They are also resolved to contribute to international progress, both through their relations with third countries and by adopting common positions wherever possible in international organizations, notably the United Nations and the specialized agencies.

The third pillar expresses the lively nature of the construction of a United Europe. European identity is defined in terms of function. Unity is the characteristic of the European identity. Thus, this unity will be preserved in foreign policy and they will act accordingly in international relations. Future construction of Europe, with regard to unity, will be more easily accomplished.

III. The Dynamic Nature of the Construction of a United Europe

22. The European identity will evolve as a function of the dynamic construction of a United Europe. In their external relations, the Nine propose progressively to undertake the definition of their identity in relation to other countries or groups of countries. They believe that in so doing they will strengthen their own cohesion and contribute to the framing of a genuinely European foreign policy. They are convinced that building up this policy will help them to tackle with confidence and realism further stages in the construction of a United Europe thus making easier the proposed transformation of the whole complex of their relations into a European Union.

Concluding the content analysis of the Document on The European Identity, 1973, Copenhagen assumed by the nine foreign Ministers of the European Community, we are entitled to state that unity among them was the main feature of the document. Starting from this unity, European identity characteristics are to be defined. The unity among them leads to the construction of the European Union, while paving the way for negotiating internationally. This unity among them shapes the European Identity.

Footnote

24 See the conceptual approach in: Jeffrey T. Checkel, Peter J. Katzenstein, European Identity, Cambridge University Press, 2009, Ireneusz Pawel Karolewski, Viktoria Kaina, European Identity: theoretical perspectives and empirical insight, LIT Verlang, Munster, 2006, and Michal Krzyzanowski, The Discursive Construction of European Union: a multi-level approach to discourse and identity in the transforming EU, Peter Lang, 2010. .

25See the conceptual approach in Ireneusz Pawel Karolewski, Citizenship and Collective Identity in Europe, Routledge, 2009, and Thomas Pedersen, When Culture Becomes Politics: European Identity in Perspective, Isd, 2008.

26http://www.cvce.eu/obi/declaration_on_european identitv copenhagen 14 december_ 1973-en-02798dc99c69-4b7d-b2c9-f03a8db7da32.html.. 11.11.2013.

Footnote

http://worldiusticeproiect.org/what-rule-law. 12.11.2013.

Footnote

28 http://www.oecd.org/about/. 11.11.2013.

References

Bibliography

1. Checkel, Jeffrey T., Katzenstein, Peter J., European Identity, Cambridge University Press, 2009.

2. Karolewski, Ireneusz Pawel, Citizenship and Collective Identity in Europe, Routledge, 2009.

3. Karolewski, Ireneusz Pawel, Kaina, Viktoria, European Identity: theoretical perspectives and empirical insight, LIT Verlang, Munster, 2006.

4. Krzyzanowski, Michal, The Discursive Construction of European Union: a multilevel approach to discourse and identity in the transforming EU, Peter Lang, 2010.

5. Pedersen, Thomas, When Culture Becomes Politics: European Identity in Perspective, Isd, 2008.

Web:

1. http://worldjusticeproject.org/what-rule-law.

2. http://www.cvce.eu/obj/declaration_on_european_identity_copenhagen_14_december _1973-en-02798dc9-9c69-4b7d-b2c9-f03a8db7da32.html.

3. http://www.oecd.org/about/.