European identity' is a very popular expression, used in almost every European context. Yet, it is also quite a problematic phrase. The major difficulty with this concept derives from the fact that it refers to two peculiar categories, namely the idea of Europe and the notion of collective identities, neither of which is clearly defined. The main aim of this paper is therefore to present and systematize different approaches to the concept of European identity, with reference to the theory of collective identities and the practice of Europe. Resulting from this analysis, four different types of European identity are discussed and classified. European identity is understood as either the identity of European Union, referring therefore to a real political, economic and territorial entity, or the identity of the European society, being thus related to some kind of social collective, i.e. some broadly-defined cultural category, with neither apparent nor fixed borders of its own. The constitutive elements of such identity are to be found in either the opinions, judgments and attitudes of the Europeans themselves, (and in this sense European identity is often referred to in many contemporary discussions, responding to the modern pressures of growing individuality) or in the symbolic culture of Europe, i.e. an identity perceived as the result of a long historical process of development. Whichever vision of European identity, the scope of its understanding differs, including or excluding different elements from its scope.