Discoursive Empire EU: The EU’s Discursive Hegemony and Its Imperial Power Beyond Borders

This paper studies the European Union (EU) as an empire, focusing on how discourse shapes its hegemonic influence beyond its borders. To do so, it analyses how and under which conditions the terms "Europe" and "European Union" are used interchangeably, which extends the EU’s influence by conflating a geographical and cultural concept (Europe) with a political institution (the EU). This discursive practice (synecdoche) can be seen as a form of collectivization that masks the reality of Europe as a broader continent, encompassing many non-EU countries. The paper argues that this practice enacts hegemonic power by subtly aligning perceptions of Europe with EU-centric narratives, reinforcing the EU’s legitimacy and authority on the global stage. By examining these discursive patterns, the study highlights how the EU consolidates power through language, portraying itself as synonymous with Europe. This, we contend, reflects imperial tendencies where control is exerted not through territorial expansion but via discoursive dominance. Methodologically, the paper applies Critical Discourse Analysis to speeches from key EU figures—including Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, European Parliament President Roberta Metsola, European Council President Charles Michel, and High Representative Josep Borrell—spanning the years 2019 to 2024. It argues that the conflation of "Europe" and "European Union" is used as an exclusionary tactic towards third countries while functioning as an expansive move toward enlargement countries. This study contributes to critical discussions on EU power, offering insights into how language reinforces the EU’s hegemonic position. Ultimately, it calls for a reassessment of the impact of this discursive practice on European identities and political dynamics between EU and non-EU countries.