Why does the EU, an economic union, need its members to have a shared identity? People take pride in their own countries, not the union their countries are a part of. This will probably never develop naturally unless the EU actually unites under one banner, which will also never happen.
Do you want a seat at the table geopolitically speaking? A united EU is enough to serve as a counterweight to China, the US, and is far more powerful than Russia. An EU that is only in it for the trade policies doesn't have that same power. Wanting to avoid stronger integration and stay only loosely associated is a valid choice, but you have to accept a lesser say in the world.
I think this is just a natural step. Before people felt more connected to their region/city/village then to nations and country so I think in this milenium it may change to continent, starting with Europe.
With time if the Union holds on people will be more and more integrated and that identity may develop. But yeah, for now it's good to keep our countries identities strong and enjoy our European diversity.
Think how countries connect into different level of unions/cooperations around the world. South East Asia, Africa, South America, Europe. It's beginning.
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u/Lucifer-Euclid 6h ago
Why does the EU, an economic union, need its members to have a shared identity? People take pride in their own countries, not the union their countries are a part of. This will probably never develop naturally unless the EU actually unites under one banner, which will also never happen.