ABSTRACT
The concept of Euroscepticism carries the meaning of doubt and distrust on the subject of European integration. It is the most widely used of a number of related terms that became current in British political discourse during the 1990s as shorthand labels for positions adopted in public debates concerning the EU. It has come to designate a transnational phenomenon since it refers not only to a feature of the British political landscape but also to its counterparts in other European countries. There are different degrees and kinds of Euroscepticism, but if the concept is to have any analytical value, its meaning should not be extended too far. Eurosceptic positions should be distinguished from reformist positions that involve criticism of particular aspects of the EU and a corresponding desire for improvement, but are sufficiently sympathetic towards the aims and achievements of integration thus far to accept that the process should legitimately continue in the future.
