The Evolution of Euroscepticism: Manifestation and Redefinition under the Impact of Economic Crisis

Abstract

The theme of the panel is the changing face of euroscepticism since the outbreak of the eurozone crisis. The panel’s first aim is the presentation of fresh empirical data on the manifestation of opposition to European integration, investigating to what extent it has acquired new exponents and new content since 2009. Have there been qualitative and quantitative changes in the appearance of euroscepticism in the public sphere, in national party systems and in public opinion? Has euroscepticism become more salient in national debates, more generalised across the political spectrum, more resonant among the public? Under economic pressure, have antagonists of the European Union refocused on new themes and new targets? Finally, have there been changes in eurosceptic modes of mobilisation, e.g. through the use of different types of media or the internet? The panel’s second aim is to promote empirically-grounded reflection on the implications of the crisis period for the theoretical debate on euroscepticism. Does the crisis experience fit within existing approaches or does it suggest a need for theory refinement? Could it even lead us towards the redefinition of such key concepts as ‘hard’ and ‘soft’ euroscepticism? The panel hopes to attract a range of case studies and comparative papers, examining euroscepticism in different contexts. The panel is proposed on behalf of the UACES Collaborative Research Network on Euroscepticism and is open to members and non-members of the Network.

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