為了避免在描述認同時受意識形態所限，本文從歷史的視野觀察歐洲人的認同。我將論證歐洲人的認同乃是築基於無數相互接續的歷史層疊之上。然而，這些歷史層疊在地理學上並不適用，因此，不可能寫出一部具連續性的歐洲認同演變史。儘管如此，這些層疊建構出一個文化脈絡，而歐洲共同體的成形可能即是建立於此之上。就當代歐洲人的認同而言，最重要的經驗即是基督宗教及啟蒙思想傳統與二十世紀所發生的大災難之間的對比。歐洲人正經由致力於避免此類的大災難再度發生，以鞏固其認同。

In order to evade the traps of ideological descriptions of identity, this contribution will look at European identity from a historical perspective. I will argue that European identity is based on a succession of numerous historical layers. However, these do not apply geographically, and, therefore, it is impossible to write a continuous history of the evolution of European identity. Yet, the layers constitute a cultural context, which the shaping of community in Europe could be built on. For the European identity of present times, the decisive experience was contrast between the traditions of Christianity and Enlightenment and the catastrophes of the 20th century. By working on the prevention of such catastrophes Europeans are confirming their identity.