ABSTRACT
This chapter argues that although the Union is not a state, much less a nation-state in spite of repeated denials to the contrary, many European political leaders continue to act as if they want the Union to be or become a nation-state. A nation-state, by definition, includes a national culture, and that culture is in turn assumed to be one of the means by which the sense of national identity which helps to keep the nation-state functioning as a legitimate political institution is created. Canadians never felt tempted to abandon English, no matter what they thought about the United States, though Canadians do also rely on policies of bilingualism and multiculturalism to help distinguish themselves from Americans. Most Canadians agree that the protection of Canadian culture is both a necessary and a worthwhile purpose of government policy. The European Union performs some of the functions formerly carried out by national governments.
