In the last years we lived to see the development of the European Union in political and - above all - in the economical and financial areas. The SEM, the Treaties of Maastricht and Amsterdam, the Single European Currency,... were joint steps to a better, more common and more human Europe; in mediating the global economy, European policymakers operate simultaneously in the Community, in national and local policy environments. But coevally some problems became bigger: problems of a bureaucratically kind, of legitimacy and of obscurity, for which the intellect of a single normal human could not be enough. With the „Agenda 2000“–Settings the member-states decided to enforce the enlargement of the EU, especially up to the east. But this step can cause difficulties, which are far beyond purely market problems. Before the impending enlargement can come, a lot of questions have to be asked and solved. One point of view concerns the ethnology, sociology and psychology as much as the politics: the search for a common European identity. It should be asked, if there exists or can exist such a common one, or if it is such an empty phrase, used by nationalist and opponents of the EU as well as by the advocators of a „house of Europe“. I would like to turn my attention to the Hungarian country as an example for the enlargement of the EU. Why Hungary? The European identity of the Hungarian people is deeply included within their national identity: 1. This country belongs to the more favoured group of applicant states listed in Agenda 2000, and always has possessed strong connections to the membercountries, 2. The people in this country share a common history, especially with Austria and Germany (as members of the recent EU), 3. They see themselves as the “Middle of Europe” – not only in a geographical way. But when we in the western part of Europe speak about this continent and this corpus europaeicum, we often forget to remember, that most of the post-communist countries of course had been an important part of Europe2 and that they share a lot of cultural, religious,... aspects with us, which could be displaced by the iron curtain only temporary.
Table of Contents
1. INTRODUCTION
2. HUNGARY: DATA AND FACTS
2.1 GEOGRAPHY: THE MIDDLE OF EUROPE
2.2 HISTORY: BACK TO EUROPE
2.3. THE PEOPLE
3. EUROPE AS PART OF THE HUNGARIAN IDENTITY
3.1. HUNGARIAN IMAGES OF EUROPE AND THE EU
3.1.1 Public Opinion – Profile And Image In The Region
3.1.2 Information Sources
3.1.3 Main Interests
3.1.4 EU-Referendum
3.1.5 Reasons
3.1.6 Who Benefits Most?
3.2 EUROPE - WHAT ELSE?
4. CONCLUSION: WELCOME BACK?
5. BIBLIOGRAPHY
ANNEX
ANNEX 1: HUNGARIAN SELF-PORTRAIT
ANNEX 2: VISIBILITY OF EU
ANNEX 3: EU ISSUES OF INTEREST IN CANDIDATE COUNTRIES
ANNEX 4: WHO BENEFITS MOST?
ANNEX 5: TRUSTWORTHINESS OF INFORMATION SOURCES
Objectives and Topics
This paper examines the integration of Hungary into the European Union by analyzing the development of a common European identity and the public perception of the EU within the Hungarian population. The primary research question explores how Hungarian national identity interacts with the aspiration for European integration and whether citizens view the EU as a model for modernization or a potential threat to national sovereignty.
- The historical context of Hungary's "return to Europe" after the Cold War.
- Empirical analysis of public opinion data from the Central and Eastern Eurobarometer 8.
- Evaluation of media influence and information sources regarding European integration.
- Identification of social, political, and economic factors influencing the EU-referendum support.
- The moral conflict between preserving national identity and embracing European integration.
Excerpt from the Book
3.1.5 Reasons
The main reasons mentioned in the “First Wave Five” –countries are the hope that will begin a general progress thanks to EU help, that the economy will improve, that the living standards will getting higher.
But there exist also some aspects, which have to be seen in a less overwhelming light: Mainly the fear of losing a bit of identity and the financial burden of an accession.
Summary of Chapters
1. INTRODUCTION: Outlines the development of the European Union and the specific research focus on Hungary's European identity within the context of EU enlargement.
2. HUNGARY: DATA AND FACTS: Provides a geopolitical and historical overview of Hungary, tracing its path from its origins to its post-communist transformation and alignment with Western institutions.
3. EUROPE AS PART OF THE HUNGARIAN IDENTITY: Analyzes empirical data on how Hungarian opinion leaders and the general public perceive the EU, focusing on motivations, fears, and the cultural alignment with Europe.
4. CONCLUSION: WELCOME BACK?: Summarizes the findings on Hungary's EU integration, suggesting that despite fears regarding national sovereignty, the country views the EU as a necessary model for future modernization.
5. BIBLIOGRAPHY: Provides a comprehensive list of the academic sources and empirical data utilized in the research.
Keywords
European Union, Hungary, European Identity, Enlargement, Public Opinion, Central Europe, Eurobarometer, National Identity, Modernization, Political Integration, Applicant States, Sovereignty, Social Attitudes, Democracy, Post-communist Transition.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this research paper?
The paper focuses on the process of Hungary's integration into the European Union and investigates how this transition interacts with the national identity of the Hungarian people.
What are the primary thematic areas explored in the work?
The work examines historical developments, contemporary public opinion on the EU, media influence, and the socio-political challenges surrounding EU membership for post-communist nations.
What is the main objective or research question?
The main objective is to understand if a "common European identity" exists for Hungarians and to evaluate how they perceive the European Union as a path for their future.
Which scientific methodology is applied?
The research utilizes an empirical approach by analyzing quantitative data from the Central and Eastern Eurobarometer 8, supplemented by historical and sociological context.
What topics are discussed in the main body?
The main body discusses Hungarian geography and history, public images of the EU, media influence, the motivations for supporting EU membership, and the internal moral conflict regarding national sovereignty.
Which keywords define this research?
Key terms include European identity, Hungary, EU enlargement, public opinion, and political modernization.
How does Hungary's historical experience influence its current stance on the EU?
Hungary's history as a "plaything" of larger powers (Ottoman, Habsburg, Soviet) makes its population both hopeful for EU-led progress and skeptical about potential threats to their newly won sovereignty.
What does the empirical data reveal about the Hungarian perception of EU benefits?
The data shows that while most Hungarians are optimistic about the economic progress and modernization promised by EU membership, they also express concerns about the loss of national identity and the social costs of economic transitions.
- Quote paper
- Christoph Fenner (Author), 2001, The Forthcoming Enlargement Of The EU, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/29720
