European countries work together within the European Union (EU). In certain fields, these countries have given the EU exclusive competences and mandates to pursue a common European policy.
Other powers are retained in principle by the nation-state, which system is based on autonomy at state and local levels.
But in today's shaky world, where our interests and values are being extremely tested, isn't it time to combine some more of authority, to put ourselves on the map and play a strong role in the world?