Between National and European Identity: Unity in Diversity or a Conflict of Values? GUK
About the projekt
GUK 2026
Between National and European Identity: Unity in Diversity or a Conflict of Values?
Number of the project: UK/1130/2026
Responsible Investigator: Mgr. Vanda Peťková
The project focuses on the analysis of the relationship between European identity, based on the values enshrined in Article 2 TEU, and the national identity of the Member States, which the Union is obliged to respect pursuant to Article 4(2) TEU. The starting point of the project is the current crisis of the values and the increasingly frequent invo
cation of national identity by certain Member States as a justification for departing from Union law and shared values. The project aims to examine whether, and under what conditions, a conflict between European and national identity arises. Through a systematic analysis of the case law of the Court of Justice of the European Union and relevant academic literature, the project identifies the Court’s decision-making trends, as well as the limits and reasons for invoking national identity within the EU’s value framework. The findings will subsequently be subjected to synthetic analysis in order to identify systemic risks associated with the invocation of national identity in relation to European identity. In addition, a balancing-of interests method will be applied to assess and propose a possible compromise between the protection of European and national identity. The outcomes of the project will consist of normative conclusions and recommendations aimed at strengthening a coherent interpretation of national identity as a concept that does not weaken but rather complements European identity and contributes to the stability and value integrity of the European Union. Therefore, the project’s outputs will have practical relevance for national courts, legislators, and public authorities by providing interpretative guidance and recommendations that support the responsible invocation of national identity without undermining the values on which the European Union is founded.