Abstract
We present a theoretical framework that explains how European citizens form their preferences on EU integration. Building on theories of nation formation, we consider three distinct ideological cost functions measuring the impact of EU legislation on national politics. Individual-level survey data from EU member states show that European citizens tend to be highly sophisticated: support for integration is driven by citizens who believe EU legislation amends their national policy, while Euroscepticism emerges among those who see it as interference.
Type
Publication
European Economic Review
Sergi Urzay-Gómez
Lecturer in Economics
Researcher in political economy and applied microeconomics, with a focus on European integration and individual preferences.