The European integration process aimed to foster a sense of common European identity enhancing the European public's sense of belonging and identification with the European community. This goal is vividly reflected in Jean Monnet's 1952 statement "We are not bringing together states we are uniting people." In this context forming a collective European identity has emerged as a process in the making boosted often by the symbols of solidarity such as common currency motto flag and anthem.

This book delves into the historical process of European identity formation in Germany presenting a unique case where its post-war national identity was constructed hand in hand with the European identity resulting in relatively higher levels of identification compared to other member states. While doing this it leverages the core principles of Social Identity Theory (SIT) to enlighten the temporal dimensions of identity i.e. past present and future reflecting upon the continuity within the Europeanization and EU-ization processes.

This book provides readers with a deeper understanding of the historical foundations of the European identity and its successful blossoming in Germany. Its extensive literature review contributes significantly to European studies making it an essential read for scholars and enthusiasts alike.