Abstract

This paper analyses the relationship between European integration and European identity in relation to existing national and sub-national identities. It particularly focuses on the impact of the creation of the EU, as an international political structure, on the existing national European framework in terms of political identity and cultural diversity. The paper also examines the possible reasons for and difficulties of creating a European identity and looks at the importance of cultural and popular aspects on the political-economic integration process. As a case study, the European dimension in secondary education in England and Germany was analysed including the respective curricula and policy framework (both national and European). A survey was carried out among German and English head and subject teachers to assess the potential problems with and the practical implementation of a European dimension. The findings prove that there are significant differences between the two countries concerning their understanding and implementation of a European dimension in education, which relate back to differences in the national understanding of and attitudes to the EU, European integration and European identity.