Stephanie Tan

European Unity and Integration How do European states attempt or manage to make integration possible? States have become inextricably linked with the growing interdependence in the international system. After enduring the devastation of two world wars, states have managed to co-exist in the international system in their effort to deflect conflict and a recurrence of another war. States now operate according to a system of cooperation, through integration, in achieving their common interests and welfare. This instance of integration has been manifested among European states in the European Union model. European states interact under a supranational authority where the states discuss, deliberate and advance their individual, as well as common interests and concerns on a particular issue. Through this interaction, European states influence and shape the decision-making of one another in formulating policies which could resolve and settle issues. With the demise of a world divided by disputes, states now enjoy greater self-determination and sovereignty. But in order to accommodate integration and to ensure that duties of the organization be executed, states surrender some degree of their sovereignty. The commitment of these states may be attributed in their attempt to compensate for the responsibilities which they cannot achieve in isolation and also to maintain a peaceful co-existence in the international system. Although not all duties and powers of national governments of individual states are exercised through integration in organizations such as the European Union, member states assume their global responsibility to ensure an enduring peace, prosperity and security in the European community. In sum, constant interaction and cooperation among the European states allow integration to be possible. The states’ acceptance of their existence, involvement and responsibilities in a larger community, the international system has provided states with the opportunity to achieve a community based on cooperation and peace devoid of any form of conflict. European states are continuously maintaining this harmonious relationship in integration to accomplish goals through negotiations and discussions to promote sound policy making and implementation.