^aSocial Science Research Center Berlin (WZB), Reichpietschufer 50, Berlin D-10785, Germany. E-mail: wessels@wz-berlin.de

Abstract

In the last decade, support for European integration has declined and euroscepticism has risen. Using Easton's concept of political support, this paper studies the interrelationship between euroscepticism and European identity. Starting from the hypothesis that identity as a central element of political community serves as a buffer against system-threatening euroscepticism, I develop a hierarchical model of euroscepticism. My results demonstrate that there are three types of eurosceptics, two of which hold opposite implications for European integration — demand for improvement vs a halt to or even an abolishment of European integration. The difference between both types is that the first group has a European identity, while the other does not. I conclude that the large size of the eurosceptic camp challenges European integration.