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What drives European solidarity? Evidence on identity-based, value-based, and utilitarian explanations
1Department of Political Science, University of Duisburg-Essen, Duisburg, Germany.
European Union Politics
|June 1, 2026
Summary
European solidarity remains stable for many Germans, driven by identification with Europe. Political orientation significantly influences changes in solidarity, while utilitarian factors have minimal impact.
Area of Science:
- Political Science
- Sociology
- European Studies
Background:
- Understanding the dynamics of European solidarity is crucial for the integration process.
- Previous research often focused on aggregate-level factors, with less attention to individual-level changes over time.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the maintenance and change of European solidarity among individuals over time.
- To identify factors influencing European solidarity, distinguishing between identity-based, value-based, and utilitarian approaches.
Main Methods:
- Utilized German panel data to track changes in European solidarity.
- Examined four dimensions: territorial, fiscal, welfare solidarity, and support for European social citizenship.
Main Results:
- 44-57% of German respondents maintained stable European solidarity, irrespective of major geopolitical events.
- Stronger identification with Europe and a transnationalist political orientation were associated with sustained or increased solidarity.
- National identification had inconsistent effects, and utilitarian factors showed minimal influence on solidarity levels.
Conclusions:
- Individual European solidarity is relatively stable but influenced by evolving identification with Europe and political orientation.
- Identity-based factors, particularly a growing sense of European identity, are key drivers of solidarity.
- Utilitarian explanations are less effective in explaining individual changes in European solidarity.
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