EU Cultural Policy as a Factor of Shaping European Identity

The research is dedicated to the influence of the EU cultural policy on shaping of the European identity. The relevance of the research is due to the increasing role of culture in international relations and the link between national identity and national sustainable development. Jean Monnet’s quote “If I could do it again, I would start with the culture” and the current cultural projects outline the importance of the cultural factor in the EU development. Apparently, cultural policy is aimed at national identity and human capital development reinforcement. Consequently, EU cultural policy is determined to strengthening of EU citizens’ self-identification with the EU and their consolidation. Thus, EU cultural policy, European identity, social consolidation and integration fruitfulness are inexplicably linked in sequence. In conclusion, it is stated the European identity is an “imaginary” social construct, created for social cohesion, solidarity and mobility, but EU cultural policy does not contribute to sustainable identity. EU cultural policy denotes vectors, namely, intercultural dialogue, cultural heritage protection and awareness of civil rights. European identity consists of institutional and civilizational components. Artificiality of the construct causes its weakness and vagueness.