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From Hard Consensus to Soft Euroscepticism: Attitudes of Croatian MPs on EU Integration
Vom mühsam erreichten Konsens zur leichten Euroskepsis: Einstellungen der kroatischen Parlamentarier zur EU-Integration
[journal article]
Abstract In this article, we offer the first systematic study of the attitudes of Croatian MPs about various aspects of Europeanness. Following the overwhelming elite consensus in 2012, when Croatia was about to join, MPs are still relatively satisfied with the EU in 2014. We argue beneficiary member mindset... view more
In this article, we offer the first systematic study of the attitudes of Croatian MPs about various aspects of Europeanness. Following the overwhelming elite consensus in 2012, when Croatia was about to join, MPs are still relatively satisfied with the EU in 2014. We argue beneficiary member mindset prevails among Croatian MPs suppressing any greater degree of Euroscepticism. However, ‘soft Euroscepticism’ is present, especially among right wing HDZ. Our analysis rests on 70 interviews with MPs and is a part of ENEC (2014) project. Croatian MPs take visible consideration of symbolic and strategic aspects when thinking about the EU. They have solid confidence in the EU institutions, report satisfaction with EU returns, favor further policy Europeanization and strongly identify as European elite. Negative feedback about the EU relates to poor representation of Croatia’s interests. Our analysis reveals that by ceding some sovereignty MPs hope to compensate for redistribution of benefits by further policy Europeanization and better channels of interest representation. EU budget receivers seem to be better off in the EU rather than outside.... view less
Keywords
Croatia; EU policy; attitude; representation of interests; Europeanization; representative; European integration; european identity; political elite; national identity
Classification
Political Process, Elections, Political Sociology, Political Culture
European Politics
Free Keywords
Europeanness; party dissent; beneficiary member; soft Euroscepticism
Document language
English
Publication Year
2016
Page/Pages
p. 38-60
Journal
Historical Social Research, 41 (2016) 4
Issue topic
National Political Elites and the Crisis of European Integration, Country Studies 2007-2014
DOI
https://doi.org/10.12759/hsr.41.2016.4.38-60
ISSN
0172-6404
Status
Published Version; peer reviewed