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The policies of the EU tend to be [[liberal]] by American standards, in keeping with the generally liberal political culture of European countries.

The policies of the EU tend to be [[liberal]] by American standards, in keeping with the generally liberal political culture of European countries.

A significant number of Europeans on the political right of centre are opposed to the EU on the grounds that it undermines national sovereignty and identity. Such people are known in British English as "Eurosceptics", and they include such people as the former British Prime Minister [[Margaret Thatcher|Baroness Thatcher]]. They also, however, include less well-respected right-wing politicians belonging to extreme or [[fascist]] parties, such as France's [[Jean-Marie Le Pen]].

A significant number of Europeans on the political right of centre are opposed to the EU on the grounds that it undermines national sovereignty and identity. Such people are known in British English as "Eurosceptics", and they include such people as the former British Prime Minister [[Margaret Thatcher|Baroness Thatcher]]. They also, however, include less well-respected right-wing politicians belonging to extreme or [[fascist]] parties, such as France's [[Jean-Marie Le Pen]]. There are also left-wing opponent of the European Union, for example ''Die Linke'' in Germany.

There are three official candidates being considered for membership, [[Turkey]], [[Croatia]] and [[The Republic of Macedonia]].  Typically a country that is considered will have to make some economic or social changes to bring it in line with other member states.

There are three official candidates being considered for membership, [[Turkey]], [[Croatia]] and [[The Republic of Macedonia]].  Typically a country that is considered will have to make some economic or social changes to bring it in line with other member states.