"Nonetheless, we continue to be obsessed with finding or inventing a European nation which, as in the nation state, guarantees homogeneity and thus an appropriate form of democracy and centralized government"

Ulrich Beck's quote highlights a considerable stress fundamental in the concept of European combination. He is pointing out the paradoxical fixation with creating a combined European identity that mirrors the conventional idea of a nation-state. This desire comes from the perceived benefits of homogeneity, such as a cohesive type of democracy and a central government structure.

In the standard nation-state model, homogeneity offers a common cultural, linguistic, and historical identity, which in turn assists in governance and social cohesion. European nations, with their unique languages, histories, and cultures, struggle to duplicate this homogeneity at the continental level. Beck suggests that there is an underlying, perhaps unconscious, fixation to replicate the nation-state structure on a European scale. This pursuit is seen by some as a method to make sure stability and performance in governance.

However, the mission for an uniform European identity is fraught with obstacles. The European Union (EU) is a supranational entity consisted of varied member states, each with its own identity and interests. Efforts to create a singular European identity can cause tensions among member states and in between the EU's ideals and national sovereignties. This can manifest in political, financial, and social policies that are challenging to harmonize across such variety.

Beck's usage of "fascination" suggests that this pursuit may be driven by an idealistic vision rather than practical truth. It reflects the intricacy of accommodating varied identities while trying to keep unity within the EU structure. Moreover, it hints at the bothersome nature of equating cultural homogeneity with effective democracy and governance. True democracy within the EU might need accepting variety instead of attempting to suppress it.

In conclusion, Beck's quote urges us to reevaluate the applicability of the nation-state's homogeneity model in the context of European combination. The difficulty depends on discovering ways to harness the varied nature of Europe to produce a functional and inclusive democratic system, rather than pursuing an impractical, homogeneous vision of unity.