This article explores the parable of national identity under Article 4.2 Treaty on European Union (TEU), a provision which has received great attention by scholars, and which has recently been seen as a ‘troublemaker’ due to its problematic (ab)use by some national courts. This piece also tries to advance some proposals to redeem this concept in EU constitutional law. This is in line with recent suggestions that have been made to revitalise Article 4.2 TEU.