This paper seeks to contribute to our understanding of the issue of collective identity in the EU, and itsrelation to the process of enlargement. Through an analysis of the European Parliament's (EP) debateson the accession of Turkey, I will show that the issue of European collective identity is essential forunderstanding the EP's position towards Turkey. I will explicate the view on inclusion and diversity inthe EU, implicit in speeches made in the EP. My analysis will show that there is a complex, two-wayrelation between the members of the European parliament's (MEP) views on inclusion and diversity inthe EU, and their position towards Turkey. Another conclusion has to do with the relation betweenstate nationalism and European integration. My findings suggest that the EP is quite indifferenttowards state-national identities and cultures, and does not see them as assets to be preserved.