This identification key is a translated, updated and expanded version of the French Clé des 88 genres de Diptères Microdontidae et Syrphidae d'Europe occidentale by Sarthou, Sarthou and Speight (2021). It now encompasses all European hoverfly genera and is the first of its kind that is fully illustrated. This new version was developed within the context of the European SPRING project: Strengthening Pollinator Recovery through INdicators and monitorinG. SPRING aims to develop a cohesive set of taxonomic materials for training and identification that are made publicly available through a dedicated website, the European Pollinator Academy (www.pollinatoracademy.eu). The Pollinator Academy aims to undertake a concerted effort to make this key available in other European languages. This key is a living document; specialists and students alike are invited to inform the authors in case they find points for improvement.