Identity Questions and National Symbols: The Role of National Symbols in the Formation of National and Constitutional Identity

Abstract

Recent decades have seen numerous identity debates around the European Union and its integration process. The protection of national and constitutional identities and their underlying values is at the root of these identity disputes. Each nation has its own constitutional identity, national identity, and constitutional values. This identity and sense of identity and values are reflected and expressed through a system of symbols. National and state symbols serve to both form and shape national and constitutional identity.