Abstract: This article reflects on the consequences of the ratifi cation crisis of the European Constitution in 2005. It was claimed that Europe lacked a collective identity, which is crucial to form loyalty towards the EU, and especially a common European myth. However, the debate about whether an identity is being formed at a European level is controversial. Based on a content analysis of the above mentioned communication event in four European media arenas, the author suggests that, in view of the result that no common myths could be found, attempts to create a European nationalism have been failing.

Keywords: European identity, European public sphere, European myths