Continental union

A continental union is a type of regional organization. These unions can range from groups where countries work together to larger unions where they share power and make decisions together. They are a new idea in how people govern themselves. For most of history, groups were small, like tribes or city-states, and later, nations. But with better ways to travel, communicate, and with stronger weapons, it became possible for many countries to join together at a bigger level — covering whole continents.

After the big wars in the middle of the last century, called the First and Second World Wars, Europe started to come together. This began with something called the "European Community". Over time, it grew into a union that includes many countries across Europe. Today, it has 27 member states. This shows how countries can work together for peace and growth.

Supranational unions

Main article: Supranational union

European Union

Main article: European Union

The European Union (EU) is a group of 27 countries in Europe that work together for shared goals. It began with a big agreement called the Treaty of Maastricht in 1993. People in these countries vote for a group called the European Parliament.

The EU helps its members by making rules that work for everyone. This includes allowing people and goods to move freely between countries. Many of these countries use the same money, called the euro. The EU also talks together about important world issues and helps with farming, fishing, and development in different areas.

Intergovernmental organizations

African Union

Main article: African Union

The African Union (AU) is the largest continental union in the world. It covers almost 30 million square kilometres and includes more than a billion people from all African countries. The AU replaced an older group called the Organization of African Unity. The AU’s main decisions are made by a meeting of leaders from its member countries, held twice a year. The AU’s offices are in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Union of South American Nations

Main article: Union of South American Nations

See also: Forum for the Progress and Development of South America

The Union of South American Nations (UNASUR) is a group that brings together countries in South America. It was created to help the countries work together, similar to how the European Union works. UNASUR was formed in 2008 and includes most South American countries, except French Guiana, which is part of France. Some countries later left UNASUR and formed a new group called PROSUR in 2019.

Similar political entities

Asia Cooperation Dialogue

Main article: Asia Cooperation Dialogue

The Asia Cooperation Dialogue is an intergovernmental organization started on 18 June 2002. It helps Asian countries work together and connect with groups like the ASEAN, the Eurasian Economic Union, the Gulf Cooperation Council, and the SAARC.

Council of Europe

Main article: Council of Europe

The Council of Europe is an intergovernmental organization for most European countries. It talks about important ideas like human rights, democracy, and the rule of law in Europe.

Eurasian Economic Union

Main article: Eurasian Economic Union

See also: Enlargement of the Eurasian Economic Union

The Eurasian Economic Union began in January 2015. It includes Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Russia. Some other countries like Moldova and Uzbekistan watch and learn. Most of these countries used to be part of the Soviet Union.

European Political Community

Main article: European Political Community

The European Political Community (EPC) started in 2022. It brings together 47 states to discuss the future of Europe.

Organization of American States

Main article: Organization of American States

The Organization of American States (OAS) is an intergovernmental organization for most countries in the Americas. It talks about working together, keeping peace, and helping each other in the Americas.

Pacific Islands Forum

Main article: Pacific Islands Forum

The Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) is an intergovernmental organization for countries and areas in the Pacific Ocean. It talks about working together to improve economic and social well-being for everyone there.

Union for the Mediterranean

Main article: Union for the Mediterranean

The Union for the Mediterranean is an intergovernmental organization with members from Europe and countries around the Mediterranean Sea in North Africa and Western Asia. It helps these countries talk and work together.

Geopolitical terminology

In Canadian usage

Further information: North American integration

See also: North American Union

In Canada, the idea of a "Continental Union" means joining together with the United States. This could happen in two ways: both countries could become equal members of a new group, or the United States could include Canada as part of it. Supporting this idea is called "continentalism", and the stronger support for Canada joining the United States directly is called "annexationism".

People have also talked about a possible North American Union that would include Canada, the United States, and Mexico. This discussion started after the North American Free Trade Agreement was finished.