ABSTRACT
The first sense in which we consider identity is internal to the EU. It involves the attempt to ‘deepen European citizens’ sense of belonging to the European Union’ (Commission 1996b:21). This reflects concern that, given its frequently proclaimed commitment to democratic values and principles, action by the EU should be legitimized by popular consent, if not popular support. Here there is a sense that, beyond a certain (undefined) point, lack of popular consent/support will prove an impediment to actorness. In consequence legitimacy based upon consent is a resource, to be considered, as was maintained in Chapter 1, among the requisites for actorness.
