Does the European Union have prestige?

Prestige is an elusive concept and a desirable asset. For political entities, it can assist routine tasks, the achieving of substantive goals, and the averting of hazards. Lack of prestige may have negative material, psychological, and operational effects. The European Union (EU) would benefit from prestige, yet a sui generis variety is difficult to identify. The main source from which the EU attempts to acquire prestige is 'Europe'. This article draws on Eurobarometer and other surveys, official documentation, media reportage, archives and interviews. It applies a range of criteria to propose a prestige quotient for the EU.