Recent calls for ‘European solidarity’ in times of crisis viewed in isolation seem reasonable, however, so I will argue, the EU’s legitimacy deficit poses a challenge that should take precedence in theoretical reflections on European (dis)integration. The central thrust of the argument is that the resentment caused by a lack of legitimacy structurally undermines calls for solidarity. In this paper, I will offer a realist perspective on European political integration to clarify a key challenge to generating solidarity. Drawing upon the political philosophy of Bernard Williams, I propose that a stable political order relies on widespread allegiance or at least acquiescence in recognition of the legitimacy of ruling structures. Rulers without such authority generate resentment, which, in turn, delegitimate their subsequent decisions. Normative political projects, such as redistributive justice, require solidarity, but such positive sentiments remain elusive if citizens feel resentment toward the political order. Applying this realist theoretical perspective to contemporary Europe, a fundamental challenge comes clearly into focus. Europe’s current ruling ‘elite’ have become increasingly understood as a part of an illegitimate constellation of power: the democratic deficit. The rise of Euro-skepticism reflects, so I propose, an increasingly widespread feeling of resentment among citizens. Solutions to current crises facing Europe require a degree of solidarity, because they rely upon a sharing of burdens between member states and their citizenries. Yet, the decision-makers are deemed illegitimate. In effect, as the realist theory draws to the fore, European rulers attempt to undertake politico-normative projects upon a foundation of resentment. The latter negative sentiment, however, undercut the generation of positive sentiments required for these projects. This realist theory of European political integration, so I conclude, suggests that the EU requires a widely accepted constitutional settlement – whatever its content – to furnish it with legitimacy to then generate solidarity.
