Promoting a European Identity - an idea- and argumentation analysis of a European identity construction via the European Education Area

Sammanfattning: The purpose of this thesis is to examine how a transnational European identity is articulated and constructed in the initiatives constituting the “European Education Area” (EEA). Identity is one of the most disputed and dissociated concepts of social sciences and humanities. Despite this, the concept remains pivotal in order to ensure the EU’s legitimacy. Hence, understanding how the EU works in strengthening their identity is vital for understanding Europe in its entireness. Based in the theory of social constructivism characterized by social interaction, the EEA’s initiatives are strongly related to developing possibilities for European Citizens to transnationally meet and exchange ideas. The methods distinguishing the different ways in which the Union promotes a European identity in the EEA are idea- and argumentation analysis. These,together with a social constructivist approach created the framework in which the result of this study was conducted. The results can be categorized into three themes: how the EU aims to further advance its relation to its member states, strengthen its role internationally and make itself more appealing to its citizens. These themes depict the different target groups in the creation of the EEA, opening up for a deeper understanding in how a common identity is promoted in its entirety.