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Does differentiated integration strengthen the democratic legitimacy of the EU? Evidence from the 2015 Danish opt-out referendum

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  • Dominik Schraff

    (Center for Comparative and International Studies, ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland)

  • Frank Schimmelfennig

Abstract

Differentiation has become a durable feature of European integration but we know little about its effects on citizens. Does differentiated integration improve the democratic quality of the European Union and strengthen citizens’ support – or does it promote political divides and foster citizens’ alienation from European integration? This article develops a theoretical argument on the positive attitudinal effects of differentiated integration, contending that differentiation accommodates heterogeneous preferences in a diverse EU and strengthens citizens’ ownership of European integration. A quasi-experimental analysis of public opinion of the 2015 Danish Justice and Home Affairs opt-out referendum demonstrates that the public vote increased citizens’ EU efficacy, indeed. Eurosceptic voters in particular strengthen their belief that their individual voice counts in EU politics, suggesting that differentiation can have a positive effect on the perceived democratic quality of the EU.

Suggested Citation

  • Dominik Schraff & Frank Schimmelfennig, 2020. "Does differentiated integration strengthen the democratic legitimacy of the EU? Evidence from the 2015 Danish opt-out referendum," European Union Politics, , vol. 21(4), pages 590-611, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:eeupol:v:21:y:2020:i:4:p:590-611
    DOI: 10.1177/1465116520949698
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    5. Marian Burk & Dirk Leuffen, 2019. "On the Methodology of Studying Differentiated (Dis)integration: Or How the Potential Outcome Framework Can Contribute to Evaluating the Costs and Benefits of Opting In or Out," Journal of Common Market Studies, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 57(6), pages 1395-1406, November.
    6. André Blais & François Gélineau, 2007. "Winning, Losing and Satisfaction with Democracy," Political Studies, Political Studies Association, vol. 55, pages 425-441, June.
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    Cited by:

    1. Thomas Winzen & Frank Schimmelfennig, 2023. "National Differentiation Experience and Citizen Support for Differentiated Integration," Journal of Common Market Studies, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 61(5), pages 1235-1260, September.
    2. Lisanne de Blok & Max Heermann & Julian Schuessler & Dirk Leuffen & Catherine E. de Vries, 2024. "All on board? The role of institutional design for public support for differentiated integration," European Union Politics, , vol. 25(3), pages 593-604, September.
    3. Martin Moland, 2024. "Opting for Opt‐outs? National Identities and Support for a Differentiated EU," Journal of Common Market Studies, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 62(1), pages 55-73, January.
    4. Martin Moland, 2024. "Past Political Asymmetry and Present Public Opinion: How Has the Asymmetrical Federation of the EU Shaped Popular Opinion of Its Optimal Shape?," Publius: The Journal of Federalism, CSF Associates Inc., vol. 54(2), pages 361-385.

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