“Dropping the ball: Identity and EU sports policy"

Anderson, Stephanie B. (2003) “Dropping the ball: Identity and EU sports policy" . In European Union Studies Association (EUSA) > Biennial Conference > 2003 (8th), March 27-29, 2003, pages 21, Nashville, TN.

Abstract

Over the past ten years, some more integrationist-minded member’s states, especially German and the Benelux have argued for a democratizing of the integration process. Without a European identity, the people will not come on board, and without democratic support for such a project, European integration will wither. The goal is to bring EU: decision-making closer to the average person and to foster a European identity. How does one manufacture, or perhaps more accurately, graft on a collective identity? Could the EU harness the passion and patriotism the public has for sports? A European sports policy may reduce the democratic deficit and increase popular support for the EU by fostering the creation of myth and therefore of a European identity.