European Identity and 21. Century Crises. Brexit and Its Impact on European Identity Progress

European identity as well as Brexit are complex phenomena that gained well-deserved attention from scholars and politicians. Existing research shows effects of a specific British identity on the United Kingdom EU membership referendum. However, the opposite link – the Brexit crises’ impact on European identity – remains unexplored. In this paper a new comprehensive model is made using synthesis of constructivist theories’ theses and up to date empirical studies. The model encompasses European identity changing factors typical for crises periods. It is possible to use it as a template in search for connection between certain crisis event and the European identity progress, as a means of better understanding of the European identity crises behavior or as a check of related general predictions’ validity. The model was used as a tool to find out whether and how Brexit affected European identity. Results show, the European identity affecting crises factors can be found in the Brexit crisis, too. Nevertheless, thanks to the specific nature of this crisis and a few unique issues, some negative outcomes of a crisis have been significantly reduced and some positive ones amplified. That offers an explanation for an unprecedented increase of European identity in the period from 2013 to 2019 recorded by public opinion surveys Eurobarometer on behalf of the European Commission. In addition to the study results alone and the model created, this study offers a basis for a follow-up research focused on particular factors and their share of European identity change. It also poses a question of whether the next crises are going to constitute a threat to the European identity or represent a chance for its growth in the same way as Brexit.