Prospects of European Engagement: Uniting or Dividing? A Case Study of Eurooptimistic Political Parties in Czechia

VELIČKA ZAPLETALOVÁ, Veronika and Pavlína KUTNAROVÁ. Prospects of European Engagement: Uniting or Dividing? A Case Study of Eurooptimistic Political Parties in Czechia. In Workshop “New Wave of Europeanism as a Counterreaction to EU Crises”. 2024.

Basic information

• Original name: Prospects of European Engagement: Uniting or Dividing? A Case Study of Eurooptimistic Political Parties in Czechia
• Authors: VELIČKA ZAPLETALOVÁ, Veronika and Pavlína KUTNAROVÁ.
• Edition: Workshop “New Wave of Europeanism as a Counterreaction to EU Crises” 2024.

Other information

• Original language: English
• Type of outcome: Requested lectures
• Field of Study: 50601 Political science
• Country of publisher: Croatia
• Confidentiality degree: is not subject to a state or trade secret
• Organization unit: Faculty of Social Studies
• Keywords (in Czech): Eurooptimismus, Česko, Euroskepticismus, Narativy
• Keywords in English: Eurooptimism, Czechia, Euroscepticism, Narratives

Abstract

Over the last two decades, Europe's political landscape has witnessed a notable surge in support for Eurosceptic parties, reshaping traditional political dynamics. The Czech political landscape has mirrored these changes, transitioning from initial European enthusiasm to growing Euroscepticism. The 2021 coalition government signifies a departure from this trend comprising five parties, with four pro-European (KDU-ČSL, TOP09, STAN, Pirates), and ODS labeled soft Eurosceptic. The study examines narratives of the governmental political parties in the Czech Chamber of Deputies and focus also on the narratives of the members of the European Parliament of the respective parties, identifying dominant themes emphasizing Czech EU membership and a Euro-Atlantic value-based anchor. Contrary to expectations, the analysis reveals a notable absence of Eurosceptic narratives even within the generally labeled soft Eurosceptic party ODS. The study also highlights the ideological shift within parties and suggests the need for a reevaluation of the theoretical concepts of Euroscepticism and Eurooptimism.