Everyone sees that EU unity has been hijacked by more than a few divisive issues. What many do not see, however, is that despite these problems, the European Union continues to take steps, albeit small, toward becoming a unified and streamlined federation of nations. Earlier this month, the EU took another step toward this goal when 22 out of the 25 member nations signed a new code of conduct that will thrust the Continent toward a common arms market.

The Trumpetreported on this new code when it was under discussion last year. Now it has been signed by most EU nations.

Under the code, which will apply to all member states except Denmark, Spain and Hungary, national defense ministries will be required to place new arms and defense tenders on a European Defense Agency notice board where European arms companies may compete for the contracts. Such a code of conduct is revolutionary in Europe, where there has traditionally been little cross-border competition for defense and arms contracts.

The new code, according to Nick Whitney, head of the European Defense Agency, will “create new opportunities for companies across Europe, strengthen our defense, technological and industrial base and offer better value for money to the armed forces and to taxpayers” (Washington Times,July 2). European arms companies, facing competition for contracts from other arms companies, will be driven to invest more time and money into developing new technologies, and to become more efficient and affordable.

As competition between companies increases, we could also see more mergers and buy-outs among European arms companies. In time, this new code of conduct could facilitate the formation of some giant arms companies in Europe.

Time will prove that this new code of conduct is a small but significant step toward a unified European defense system.

Regarding the overwhelming acceptance of the new code, EU foreign affairs and security chief Javier Solana said that it shows “there is a common realization that none of us can any longer afford to go it alone in the business of defense” (EUobserver.com, July 3).

Concerned by Russian boldness to the east and mounting Islamic fervor to the south, European leaders are sure to pursue the formation of a Continent-wide, streamlined defense system more ardently in coming months and years. Germany will be at the vanguard of Europe’s effort to federate into a competitive and powerful union. History shows that European greatness hinges on two factors: Germany and the Vatican.

Watch for both Germany and the Vatican to play a more central role in European affairs. As the Catholic Church seeks to restore Europe to its spiritual and “Christian” heritage, Germany will work to unite the Continent and secure all the elements required for a global superpower—including a highly organized and advanced, strictly European military.

Viewed from this perspective, it is not unlikely the American-designed North Atlantic Treaty Organization (nato) could be facing its demise. As Europe’s various militaries gradually streamline into a singular military under singular leadership, these national militaries may steadily shun their commitment to nato in order to throw their weight behind their own European military.

It is important over the coming months and years that you claw through the stories touting the failure and chaos of European unification and see the frightening force that is steadily coalescing out of this chaotic environment. The Trumpet is not ignorant of the large hurdles that this European project must jump if it is to amount to anything. We simply believe that as European nations increasingly face huge internal and external pressures, they will become more motivated to jump the hurdles preventing their unification.

Fear is an energizing emotion. Ask a man to hurdle a 7-foot fence, and he would probably refuse. Release an enraged, frothing-at-the-mouth attack dog, and the man would suddenly summon the energy to clear the fence in order to escape the angry canine. In Europe, fears are going to motivate nations to scale the hurdles currently preventing their unification into a singular power.

The fact that 22 out of the 25 EU member states are prepared to set aside a history of awarding defense contracts to companies within their own borders and sign this new code of conduct proves this point. European states, as Javier Solana said, are realizing that “none of us can any longer afford to go it alone in the business of defense.” The overwhelming approval of this code of conduct is a small inkling of a growing trend in Europe.

Over time, European states will gradually realize that they can no longer afford to go it alone in any area—be it economy, communications, defense or trade, and the list goes on. The more these nations set aside their differences and embrace the European project, the more they will realize the benefits that come from having a focused and unified government.

The formation of this European superpower is one of the most important developments you could be watching.