Cross-Border Interactions and European Identity

This article examines what types of cross-border interactions promote a stronger sense of European identity than national identity. Firstly, using data from the Eurobarometer survey a typology of cross-border practices is constructed and associated with different levels of European identity. Secondly, a qualitative study evaluates the life course of 36 individuals involved in a European binational relationship. Both interactions within and outside Europe are assessed. The findings show that three types of interactions might promote a strong identification as European: Intra-European integrative interactions, involving a certain level of integration into the host society (in economic, educational and social systems) and associated with long-term stays; Multicultural interactions, involving a setting of shared activities and cooperation between individuals of several European nationalities; and Outside Europe interactions, that put Europe at perspective between the “we” and the “others”. On the other hand, the effect of Non-Integrative (sojourns) and short-term stays might be negligible.