Analysing how crises shape mass and elite preferences and behaviour in the European Union

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic proved the latest stress test for the European Union, after Brexit, the Eurozone crisis and the large influx of refugees. This highly relevant and well-timed special issue examines how past crises have left an imprint on the opinions and behaviour of ordinary citizens and political elites regarding the European Union. This Forum article reviews the special issue contributions by spelling out which lessons we can learn from each of them and which paths for future research they have opened up. In terms of a path forward, I argue that scholars ought to pay more attention to (a) the role of political elites, (b) political opportunity structures, and (c) heterogeneity both between and within member states.

Electoral responses to the increased contestation over European integration. The European Elections of 2019 and beyond

“…Yet, these conflicts often become most virulent during crisis. The contribution by De Vries (2022) nicely complements this special issue as she addresses the question how we might in the future study the specific roles of these crises to processes of European unification. Specifically, questions around pan-European solidarity are likely to become increasingly politicized during these crises, as a result of immigration, the common currency and Covid-19.…”

“…As pointed out by De Vries (2022), the history of the EU is crisis-ridden and steps towards further European integration are often taken during these crises. We have focused on the increased politicization of the EU, which is rooted in some structural conflicts.…”