The cooperation of the Nordic countries is recognized as a unique model of cooperation, owing to geographical factors, historical and cultural roots and the similarity of the state system. The concept of «identity» in relation to the Nordic countries of Europe means both the awareness among the population of their belonging to them, and the instrument of political power used to express the region. The article defines European identity as an essential condition for the effective functioning of the European Union. The integration processes that took place after the Second World War in Northern Europe were carried out in parallel with European integration, therefore the article «Northern identity» is considered part of European integration. Having analysed the international legal and scientific aspects of the phenomenon of «Northern identity», the key characteristics of it are formulated: solidarity and diversity of forms of cooperation. The establishment of institutions such as the Nordic Council and the Nordic Council of Ministers has shown positive experience in the implementation of various programmes both within and outside the region. The successful exercise of their powers to regulate the politics, economy and culture of the whole region is possible on the basis of an awareness of the unity of values and objectives. The institutionalization of «northern identity» is recognized as one of the signs of the impact of this phenomenon on international cooperation. The international modern cooperation is under the influence of «Northern identity» manifested in different areas of human activity, such as culture, science and education, ecology and environment, economy and business and so on. The article analyses the most successful modern cooperation projects of the Nordic countries and concludes that it is the political interests of cooperation that come to the fore. Thus, northern cooperation is finding a new challenges, which requires further clarification of issues concerning the phenomenon of «northern identity».