In the previous chapter, we explored the relationship between the question of European identity and legitimacy. What is the specific role that collective memory plays within the interlink between the two? If the construction of a solid European identity depends on the political project of Europe, then how is such a project – and, consequently, such an identity – currently configured? Does such a thing as a common European identity exist? The task of this chapter is to address these issues by focusing on the specific role of collective memory.

Many authors have noticed a “symbolic deficit” that affects European institutions. As we have already suggested, European citizens do not feel attached to European institutions, or, when they do, their attachment varies from place to place, from time to time, and according to the age group expressing its opinion, if we are to believe the results of the EuroBarometers. For some, this is the inevitable effect of spillover from the process of economic integration; for others it is the consequence of the quasi-supranational character of the European Union (EU). The current European context provides a very interesting case for the study of memory building both because it is characterized by a complex process of pooling and sharing of sovereignty between nation-states and supranational institutions and because it is a process in fieri. Not only is the European construction very complex, but, as already discussed, no one knows the ultimate form it will take.