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The '''European Union (EU)''' is an experiment in [[globalism]], combining very different cultures and nations into one legal, political and economic union of 28 [[European]] countries. It was formed in 1993 with the ratification of the [[Maastricht Treaty]], though its predecessor, the [[European Economic Community]], was founded in 1957. It is not the same as "[[Europe]]", though most European nations have joined the EU.

The '''European Union (EU)''' is an experiment in [[globalism]], combining very different cultures and nations into one legal, political and economic union of 28 [[European]] countries. It was formed in 1993 with the ratification of the [[Maastricht Treaty]], though its predecessor, the [[European Economic Community]], was founded in 1957. It is not the same as "[[Europe]]", though most European nations have joined the EU.

As a set of institutions, the EU has more powers over its member states and their citizens than other international bodies; many of its competencies are supranational (above the member states) rather than intergovernmental (between them).  Despite having a legal personality and sovereignty in agreed areas, it is not regarded as a federation or state in its own right: rather, it stands somewhere between these two points. Fifteen member states use a common currency, the '''[[euro]]'''<ref>Five other states formally agree to use it, and four others use it without formal agreement.</ref>.  

As a set of institutions, the EU has more powers over its member states and their citizens than other international bodies; many of its competencies are supranational (above the member states) rather than intergovernmental (between them).  Despite having a legal personality and sovereignty in agreed areas, it is not regarded as a federation or state in its own right: rather, it stands somewhere between these two points. Fifteen member states use a common currency, the '''[[euro]]'''.<ref>Five other states formally agree to use it, and four others use it without formal agreement.</ref>   

There is no EU military.  Each nation has its own forces, but nearly all are members of [[NATO]], in which the U.S. has a preponderant voice.  

There is no EU military.  Each nation has its own forces, but nearly all are members of [[NATO]], in which the U.S. has a preponderant voice.  

The EU is a driving force of global economic and political integration, but Hix (2008) sees three problems with the EU: policy gridlock, lack of popular legitimacy and the democratic deficit. He notes, "In substantive terms ... the EU is closer to a form of enlightened despotism than a genuine democracy."<ref> Hix (2008) </ref>  

The EU is a driving force of global economic and political integration, but Hix (2008) sees three problems with the EU: policy gridlock, lack of popular legitimacy and the democratic deficit. He notes, "In substantive terms ... the EU is closer to a form of enlightened despotism than a genuine democracy."<ref>Hix (2008)</ref>  

==Politics==

==Politics==

Each nation elects members to the Parliament in proportion to population.  The June 2009 elections saw sweeping gains by conservative and anti-immigration parties, as labor and socialist parties lost heavily.  Since the 2004 elections the largest grouping has for the last five years been the centre-right European People's Party '''EPP''' (288 seats out of a current 785), followed by the centre-left '''PES''' (216) and the liberal '''ALDE''' (100). With the 2009 election EPP made gains and retains power in the parliament.

Each nation elects members to the Parliament in proportion to population.  The June 2009 elections saw sweeping gains by conservative and anti-immigration parties, as labor and socialist parties lost heavily.  Since the 2004 elections the largest grouping has for the last five years been the centre-right European People's Party '''EPP''' (288 seats out of a current 785), followed by the centre-left '''PES''' (216) and the liberal '''ALDE''' (100). With the 2009 election EPP made gains and retains power in the parliament.

Conservative Jose Manuel Barroso, who will have a second term as European Commission president, thanked voters and assured them their voices would be heard.  

Conservative Jose Manuel Barroso, who will have a second term as European Commission president, thanked voters and assured them their voices would be heard.  

In 2009 The British [[Labour Party]], Germany's [[SPD]] (Social Democrats) and France's Socialist Party suffered historic defeats--the worst defeat for Labour in Britain in a century..  

In 2009 The British [[Labour Party]], Germany's [[SPD]] (Social Democrats) and France's Socialist Party suffered historic defeats—the worst defeat for Labour in Britain in a century..  

Turnout was at an all-time low in some countries, including France (41%) and Germany (42%).

Turnout was at an all-time low in some countries, including France (41%) and Germany (42%).