European Journal of Social and Human Sciences, 2014, Vol.(2), № 2 90 European Identity Formation in the Context of New Social Movements 1 Jana Pecnikova 2 Anna Slatinska 1 Matej Bel University, Slovakia Faculty of Arts, Department of European Cultural Studies, Tajovského 40, 974 01 Banská Bystrica Internal PhD student E-mail: jana.pecnikova@umb.sk 2 Matej Bel University, Slovakia Faculty of Arts, Department of European Cultural Studies, Tajovského 40, 974 01 Banská Bystrica External PhD student, lecturer E-mail: anna.slatinska@umb.sk Abstract. The article deals with formation of European Identity which can be described in terms of being one of the expressions of active European citizenship. European Identity can be enhanced by social movements which play the role of connectors of people via social spectrum and react actively to changes and current issues while representing norms, ideals and values of today. Similarly, as it is with the case of social movements from the past, they can also be a stimulus for historical changes initiation. They lay basis for the so called universal citizenship, whereas the term identity can be found in the centre of their interest. Thus, citizenship has become a dominant form of social identity. It is not only about summary of individual´s rules and responsibilities but it is also focused to a great extent on civic culture. Our main aim is to have a closer look at European identity considering it as a key factor of European integration. Keywords: Identity-European Identity; Citizenship; Active European Citizenship; New Social Movements. Introduction Identity plays a pivotal role not only in terms of European citizenship but also in terms of new social movements in the context of 21 st century. First of all, before analyzing different definitions of European identity, it is important to mention the geographical delineation of Europe which is referred to as being problematic by many authors because the borders of Europe are not specifically demarcated and some of them are still disputed (the Eastern border e.g.). It seems that it is only the western and southern border which looks like being undisputed (the Atlantic and the Mediterranean) [10]. Still, this issue is open and hotly debated up till now. This vagueness of geopolitical elements concerning Europe can be also viewed as not being very helpful in defining common European identity and therefore being one of the obstacles in defining European identity. European identity consists of several elements. They can be classified into two categories, namely legal and cultural. The legal aspect is based on the democratic values embodied in EU such as democracy, the rule of law and human rights. These mentioned elements are also deemed as universal, not just belonging to Europe and European´s liberal heritage. The cultural dimension comprises cultural heritage. What is important to say about European cultural heritage is the fact that it is mostly connected with the process of viewing European identity through the light of European historical roots. These roots are comprised of the several historical periods such as Antiquity, Christianity and the Enlightenment [8]. However, Delanty argues that in this way, Europe is depicted like an exclusive identity and thus other traditions, namely non-Christian ones like the Orthodox and Islamic are perceived as excluded and marginalized [6]. Besides, it is also dangerous because of the emergence of new binary opposition such as: Christian/non-Christian, European/non-European, citizen/stranger, self/other. In addition, it is also the Charter of European Identity (1995) which seems to be drafted using a modernist idea, stressing Antiquity, Christianity, Renaissance, Humanism, the Enlightenment, Liberalism and Democracy and thus making a sharp distinction between European and non-European. In connection with the previous paragraph Derrida states that because of these homogenous values which are responsible for creation of binary opposition, European identity should be more open to differences and it should also undergo a process of re-definition and re-writing. Therefore,