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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> The EU is moving in the direction of eventually becoming a politically unified federation, something which many of its leaders consciously support.<ref>Newman, Alex (August 20, 2013). [https://www.thenewamerican.com/world-news/item/16343-the-eu-regionalization-trumps-sovereignty The EU: Regionalization Trumps Sovereignty]. ''The New American''. Retrieved November 25, 2017.</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.