§ 'Reflexiveness' is a term used for the growth of discussions in archaeology on its history, epistemology, and r; social relevance. While much of this reflecting refers to the relation of archaeology and nationalism, leading H to insights into the politicisation of archaeological research and presentation to the public and the use of the 5 past for ideological purposes, still we can witness many parallels to the use of prehistory for the creation of a • §, European identity. After briefly commenting on discussions on different nationalisms and national and cul-_o 8 tural identity, I will present a short history of ideas of Europe, followed by a consideration of two examples •5 < of the attempt to create the lacking founding myth of post-cold-war Europe. In the end, it is argued that a 'Reflexive Theory' should necessarily replace current rather politically motivated 'reflexiveness' and is needed to examine critically the Europeanist notion of European archaeology.In archaeology, as in the other humanities, there have been increasing discussions about the epistemological, political, ideological and social backgrounds of their practice. Discourse has emerged about the political preconditions of its own field of production, especially its politicisation in the past, and its relation with nationalism (e.g. Atkinson, Banks and O