A two‐tier conception of European Union peoplehood: A realist study of European citizens' bonds of collectivity. Issue 6 (21st February 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Beetz, Jan Pieter
• Is Part Of: European law journal. Volume 23:Issue 6(2017)
• Page Start: 467
• Page End: 481
• Publication Date: 2018-02-21
• Subjects: Law -- European Union countries -- Periodicals; European Union countries -- Social policy -- Periodicals; European Union countries -- Economic policy -- Periodicals; European Union countries -- Politics and government -- Periodicals; 344
• DOI: 10.1111/eulj.12270
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1351-5993

Abstract

Abstract: The European Union (EU) struggles to legitimate its rule. This realist study develops a conception of peoplehood in the EU polity, because, in contemporary Europe, 'the people' remains the sole source of political legitimacy. From a realist perspective, a conception of peoplehood should yield a coherent story why EU citizens should accept, or at least acquiesce, to EU rule. This study explores the possibility of a pluralistic conception being either multi‐layered, multi‐faceted or both. Taking a practice‐dependent approach, I first analyse the institutional systems that structure relationships between EU citizens. I secondly propose conceptions of EU citizens' bonds of collectivity. Thirdly, I develop a novel two‐tier conception of EU peoplehood in which individuals remain bound together as national peoples, while these peoples are in turn united by commercial and liberal bonds. I submit that this conception can lay the foundation for a convincing story to legitimate EU rule.