European integration has attracted scholarly attention from various disciplines since the post-war period. One central research topic has been the degree of supranationality of the European Union (EU). A related question, which is put to the fore in this study, is to what extent EU decision-makers develop supranational loyalties. This chapter studies the socialisation and re-socialisation of individuals, not states. While some scholars assume that EU decision-makers are re-socialised as far as their role and identity perceptions are concerned, others argue that no loyalty transfers take place at the supranational level. Few empirical observations, however, are available that confirm or reject these assertions and assumptions. This study argues that both the above observations are partly correct when looking at national civil servants attending EU committees.
With regards to methodology, the study of European integration has developed from a study of EU institutions towards a study of the EU through institutional lenses; this chapter applies an institutional approach to supranationalism emphasising the complementary character of allegiances and roles.