The success of the European Union over the last number of decades has been hard and bravely won. Since its foundation the Union has been prepared to take brave steps into uncharted territory and it seems the current international order dictates that now is the time for the EU to take another brave step along this road of integration. Without doubt, a new international landscape is emerging at the beginning of the 21st century. A seismic shift in international relations caused by the fall of the Berlin Wall and the end of the Cold War has led to a situation where the United States is now the sole superpower, with self confidence commensurate with that status. Russia is refashioning itself and redefining its global role and China's integration with the international economy has also been a powerful catalyst for change.