'the Construction of European Identity and the Role of National Educational Systems' – a Case Study on Germany

The aim of this paper is to assess the possibility of constructing a European identity under the premise of nationally protected educational systems. Starting with theoretical lines of social legitimacy and identity creation the argumentation follows the historical-political role of curricula in relation with nation-building in the 19 century. The paper will continue to reflect upon the efforts on EC/EU level to establish educational policy in relation with identity politics on the one hand and counter measures taken by the member states on the other. Using Germany as an example the analysis will focus on the relevance of education in the process of identity formation. This will lead to the central question if the EU is capable (if willing) to use supranational identity creation as a means of enhancing social legitimacy without having educational implementation powers or access to educational systems, respectively. H. Walkenhorst, University of Essex 3