Research Paper on identity and differentiation

Building on the general definition that European identity is established by European elites and citizens European acts of being doing and saying Schmidt 2010 this research paper will look at how the identity discourse in the EU and enlargement countries has changed in view of differentiation becoming the new normal in European integration The analysis will consider the three dimensions of differentiation assessing in how far differentiation has contributed to and preserved European identity deepening at what point differentiation causes a dilution of European identity disintegration and what are the territorialgeographical limits to European identity widening Additionally with a particular eye on Brexit and the stalled accession negotiations with Turkey this task will discuss in how far alternatives to EU membership interlink with the narrative of the EU being united in diversity