Euroscepticism

Question 1

hard/soft Euroscepticism

Answer 1

• principled opposition to the EU and the integration process
• qualified opposition to the EU

Question 2

party-political

Answer 2

• ideological: parties’ position on the political spectrum determines their stance on Europe
  -strategic: parties (on the fringes) use it to oppose domestic politics/ governments

Question 3

con-/restraining dissensus

Answer 3

public opinion holds a central position in the constriction of EU integration (outside referenda) due to an increased politicization of the EU

Question 4

Benchmark Theory of EU public opinion

Answer 4

people determine their opinion on the EU and the integration process, based on which view appears more tempting- e.g., status quo of EU membership VS leaving the EU

Question 5

public opinion- influencing factors (5)

Answer 5

-political economy and rationality (egocentric/ sociotropic)
- attitude towards domestic proxies/ national governments
-mass-elite linkages (bottom-up/ top-down cueing)
-political psychology (cognitive mobilization; identity)
-media framing

Question 6

permissive consensus

Answer 6

citizens generally holding neutral positions towards European politics (legitimized by national governments and output)- space for ruling elites to pursue their objectives freely (without citizens’ involvement)