In this paper, European identity is conceptualised by integrating normative, conceptual and empirical considerations into a working definition. The argument is based on two related questions: first, what is the relation between EU democratisation and EU identity formation from a normative point of view? Second, what has to be understood by European identity – from a normative, conceptual and empirical point of view? The first part of this paper introduces European identity as a multi-level concept. The second explores the relationship between EU democratisation and EU identity formation from a normative perspective. The third part discusses the interrelation between EU identity formation and EU democratization. The fourth investigates the relation of democratic identity and group differences. In the fifth, European identity is conceptualised as collective identity. The sixth part presents empirical research results on European identity, and the seventh part sums up the working definition. The concluding eighth part discusses the different perspectives on European identity.