The European Union

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The European Union is a supranational government body that is, by definition, changing the traditional role of the nation state and sovereignty in Europe. This Union was formed voluntarily by states with similar goals and is unique in its conception and design to the European continent. Although The EU (European Union) is strengthening Europe economically and politically the states that form it have surrendered considerable amounts of their national sovereignty.

The meaning of sovereignty has evolved over time; however, today there are several clear characteristics that define the concept of sovereignty in relation to the nation state. A sovereign state is defined by its autonomy and independence from foreign powers. Sovereign states have well defined borders and have the power to control, in principal, the amount of goods and people that enter and exit it’s territory. The citizens of such a state have the ability to choose a form of government without foreign interference. A sovereign state and its government are also able to set and conduct domestic and economic policy free from external intervention. These qualities are the main factors that define a sovereign state and its capabilities.

The European states, which have joined the EU voluntarily, forfeited some of these aspects of sovereignty with the goal of creating a stronger more unified Europe. These countries have established a supranational government consisting of several bodies. Th...

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