In recent years there has been a significant degree of politicisation of European integration, largely due to the Eurozone crisis and the response of the EU to it. However, that politicisation has not adopted supranational arenas and manifestations. In this article we explore that phenomenon by analysing the significance of this trend in relation to democracy at the EU level. Our analysis is based on citizens’ claims about their own political identification and participation, both at the national and European levels, using public opinion polls and focus groups. We first present the empirical data regarding citizens’ political action and we identify the main characteristics of this development. We then proceed to analyse citizens’ political participation and the impact of politicisation in relation to democracy at the EU level. In the conclusion we stress the dynamic interaction between both levels and draw consequences for our understanding of democracy in the EU.
