European Union

The European Union was a political and economic union of European countries that existed before the Collapse. 
==Background==
Established in the aftermath of World War II, the European Union paved the way for unprecedented prosperity and development, particularly after the fall of the Eastern Bloc and EU's expansion in 2004. The Czech Republic became one of the model examples of the positive impact membership in the EU could have on a nation.The Czech Republic Enters the 21st Century
However, the later years of the 21st century were marked by numerous upheavals, most importantly the United States' withdrawal from NATO and its collapse, which left the EU without a core military ally and facing an increasingly aggressive Russia. The EU replaced NATO with the European Common Defense Alliance (ECDA), which was was far-reaching as it was mired in bureaucratic red tape. The European military was further hampered by policy disagreements, split between hawks and the doves who wished to either defang or appease the reawakening Bear. Complete with old rivalries, economic woes, and minimal border controls further stressed the bonds between EU member states.Global Politics Review (2026 Edition) Even major joint initiatives by EU states, like G.A.R.M., were sold off by 2025 due to a lack of funding that emerged amid fears of a worldwide recession.Jim Miller: "So do I! Macready dug into GARM. Started out as a geological research center funded by the European Union. Until 2025, when it was purchased by a nameless shell company."Lore: "Located near one of Europe's last glaciers, the scientific research center known as G.A.R.M. was built to obtain baseline geological data. Elements uncovered from the glacier were to be collected, cataloged, stored, and studied there, in hopes that new kinds of natural resources could be discovered. But in 2025, fears of a worldwide recession forced the European Union to reorganize priorities. Funding was cut and G.A.R.M. was sold off to private interests. Never to be thought about again."
The Aug Incident left an indelible mark on the European Union. The incident forced it to seek accommodation with Russia, and form a trade pact that the RFS accepted, extending their influence (and criminal families) into the Union.The Next Three Decades The strenuous limitations and anti-aug legislation passed by EU's various member nations led to an exodus of augmented populations to Africa, which commonly had lax regulations on human enhancement. While the EU struggled, its members states' rash actions also created a perfect storm of conditions to make it ripe for an Illuminati takeover.Global Politics Review (2029 Edition) However, the sheer size and diversity of the EU also made it the perfect operations center for TF29, set up in Prague. EU's laws allowed it to operate under the cover of Praha Dovoz, registered in every EU member country, which enabled the Task Force to set up infrastructure in any country in as little as 72 hours.Sedlak: "Best front is a real company. Praha Dovoz is registered as an international shipping corporation in every country in the EU. I can get an office, way station, or depot up and running anywhere in Europe within 72 hours."
In fact, among the conspiracy theorists, the EU was long seen as yet another tool created to seize control over sovereign nations and establish a one world government serving not the people, but the rich elite.The Sleepwalking World After the seizure of power by the Majestic 12 in , Europe fell under its thumb, and the Union became little more than a vehicle for corporations to destroy any distinct national identities: Languages, cultures, tastes, all to create a single market to exploit.JC Denton: "This crackdown is the work of Majestic 12."Kristi: "You mean the European Union."JC Denton: "'They are a group of conspirators who have been seizing governments all over the world".Kristi: "I don't care what they call themselves. I have seen it since I was a girl, the plotting and scheming of corporations to make Europe into one big country with no separate languages, cultures, or tastes."JC Denton: "It's more than Europe they plan to unify. "
==Known member countries==
The European Union's major enlargement in 2004 included numerous states formerly part of the Eastern Bloc, such as Czechia. It seems to have been also expanded subsequently to include Moldova, and Brexit never took place.
*Czech Republic
*FranceHei Zhen Zhu Stasis Pods: "EU-FRA"
*GreeceHei Zhen Zhu Stasis Pods: "EU-Gre"
* MoldovaHei Zhen Zhu Stasis Pods: "EU-Mol"
*RomaniaHei Zhen Zhu Stasis Pods: "EU-R"
* United KingdomHei Zhen Zhu Stasis Pods: "EU-UK"
==Behind the scenes==
* The background for the EU is limited and contains certain inconsistencies. Mention of lax border controls is inconsistent with the fact that since 1995 most of the EU is part of the Schengen Area, which essentially dismantled any internal national borders or border controls, allowing the free movement of people and goods. Secondly, the EU invests heavily in protecting its member nations' cultural heritage, though the abolition of such programs and Kristi's remarks are likely due to Majestic 12 subverting the EU for their own ends.
==References==
Category:Factions
Category:Deus Ex: Mankind Divided locations