Creation of the [European Community, European Union, United States of Europe, United Europe] 1

1 References to "Union" would be replaced throughout the text by "European Community", "European Union", United States of Europe" or "United Europe", if it were decided to change the Union's name.

Decision to establish [an entity called the European Community, European Union, United States of Europe, United Europe].

A Union of European States which, while retaining their national identities, closely coordinate their policies at the European level, and administer certain common competences on a federal basis.

Recognition of the diversity of the Union.

A Union open to all European States which share the same values and commit themselves to promote them jointly.

This article sets out the values of the Union: human dignity, fundamental rights, democracy, the rule of law, tolerance, respect for obligations and for international law.

Objectives of the Union

This article establishes the general objectives, such as:

-   protection of the common values, interests and independence of the Union - promotion of economic and social cohesion

-   strengthening of the internal market, and of economic and monetary union

-   promotion of a high level of employment and a high degree of social protection

-   a high level of environmental protection

-   encouragement for technological and scientific progress

-   creation of an area of liberty, security and justice

-       development of a common foreign and security policy, and a common defence policy, to defend and promote the Union's values in the wider world.

These objectives shall be pursued by appropriate means, depending on whether competences are allocated wholly or partly to the Union, or exercised jointly by the Member States.

Explicit recognition of the legal personality of the [European Community/Union, United States of Europe, United Europe]