An analytical approach to the European Union from an ideological perspective: ‘Europeanism’ – its strengthens and limitations

The European integration as a project is comparatively juvenile. Commenced in 1950 (by the Schuman Declaration) it was initially based as we know on pragmatic, mostly economic agenda albeit with crucial political foundations and consequently – political ramifications. After 69 years it has grown substantially to involve a political, institutional and ideological elements. This paper looks at European integration and specifically at its institutional form – the European Union from an ideological perspective. The author claims that ‘Europeanism’ has in fact become a new ideology, shared among intellectual, political, judicatory, societal, and even major economic elites that influence or shape European Union as an institution and its major policies. As an ideology ‘Europeanism’ is a somewhat exotic mixture of various seemingly incoherent trends that give current European Union its intriguing characteristics. On the one hand, economically one can easily identify numerous elements of neoliberalism, especially regarding the financial aspects of the European integration. Likewise arguments used by the major proponents of the European integration vis-à-vis USA, China or Japan are of neoliberal character. At the same time, with reference to international trade in agricultural products, intellectual property or internal (single market) competition (freedom of labour) one rather easily spots distinct elements of protectionism and overregulation. Finally, in terms of philosophical outlook and especially moral issues ‘Europeanism’ seems to be mostly focusing on progressive agenda. This rather incomprehensible amalgamate is based on a three-fold premise that seems to hold unquestionable value for the so-called ‘Euro-enthusiasts’. Firstly, most if not everything that is EU/European related is of positive value. Secondly and consequently, most if not everything that is EU/European related is positive for all parties involved. Thirdly, most if not everything that is EU/European related brings an added value to the whole world.