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.

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. 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.

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 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. 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.

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. After the seizure of power by the Majestic 12 in 2034, 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.

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
 * France
 * Greece
 * Moldova
 * Romania
 * United Kingdom

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.