Publication details
Prospects of European Engagement: Uniting or Dividing? A Case Study of Eurooptimistic Political Parties in Czechia
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| Year of publication | 2024 |
| MU Faculty or unit | |
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| Description | 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. |