Convergence on political values? A multi-level analysis of developments in 15 EU countries 2002-2016. Issue 5 (4th July 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: van Houwelingen, Pepijn; Iedema, Jurjen; Dekker, Paul
• Is Part Of: Journal of European integration. Volume 41:Issue 5(2019)
• Page Start: 587
• Page End: 604
• Publication Date: 2019-07-04
• Subjects: Core political values -- public opinion -- European integration -- euroscepticism -- European Union; European federation -- Periodicals; Political science -- Periodicals; Europe -- Economic integration -- Periodicals; 341.24205
• DOI: 10.1080/07036337.2018.1537270
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0703-6337

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Basic core political values differ widely across Europe. From a perspective of European integration a gradual convergence in core political values across European Union countries would be beneficial. Moreover, one would hope that the direction of any possible European value convergence is in accordance with the values stipulated by the European Union. Based on European Social Survey data, developments in public opinion with regard to three personal (but politically relevant) value indicators and three core political value indicators among 15 EU countries are described since the beginning of this century. Differences in core political values between these 15 EU countries are considerable and – with the exception of euroscepticism – have not converged. We conclude that, overall, political value convergence within the EU is largely absent since the beginning of this century.