Category:European Union

From Gothpoodle

The European Union of 2100 grew slowly, with roots in many European institutions of the late 20th century: the European Economic Community (EEC), the Council for Security and Cooperation in Europe (CSCE), the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), and so on. Even the United Nations became a cornerstone of European unity, after its headquarters moved to Europe.

Currently the dominant institution in the Union is the European Parliament, a one-house legislature composed of representatives from all of the member states. Since revisions to the Union Charter in 2089, half of the representatives to Parliament are chosen randomly from the voting populations of the member states. The other half are elected by a more traditional popular vote. The Parliament has extensive human staff, and also maintains what may be the most powerful battery of sapient AIs in the world. These high-powered infomorphs exist to gather and correlate information for the members of Parliament, especially those “amateur legislators” who are selected by lot.

The European Union has taken on many of the functions of a supranational government. Laws passed by the European Parliament are considered to be treaties; although they are binding on all members, they must be implemented by each member state through its own legislative process. Before the Parliament even votes on a new law, lengthy negotiations must be held to build consensus among the member states. Meanwhile, the Union’s bureaucratic processes are quite complex, despite several rounds of streamlining reform during the past century. All in all, the Union has difficulty making new policies quickly or responding to sudden crises.

Citizens of the Union enjoy complete freedom to travel, work, and do business anywhere within its borders. This has made Europe (with outlying areas in North America and the Middle East) the world’s largest and wealthiest free-trade zone. Not all Union members enjoy the same high standard of living, but the core nations in Western Europe are the richest on Earth.

Significant local distinctions remain within the European Union, although most citizens have a strong sense of identity as members of “the world’s highest civilization.” Many Europeans tend to think of themselves as citizens of their own particular region first, of Europe as a whole second, and of their nation-state last (if at all). For example, a German in 2100 is likely to think of himself as a Bavarian, a Berliner, or a Rhinelander rather than a German.

Europeans tend to have a quiet confidence in their identity as Europeans. Their corner of civilization is the wealthiest, most stable, and most technologically advanced of any. There are no serious threats on the horizon. European politics can be contentious, but the essential unity of Europe is beyond a doubt. Many Europeans think of the Union as a template for eventual world government, a view bolstered by the fact that nations in regions as distant as North America and the Middle East have become productive members.

Rights

• Bioroids, SAIs, SAI-based Shadows, and Ghosts are considered citizens.
• Fragments and Uplifted Animals are considered inferior.
• LAIs and LAI-based Shadows are considered animals.
• Emergent AIs are considered wild animals.
• Rogue AIs, Xoxes, and any AI in a bioshell are treated as abominations. Ghosts in a bioshell of their original body are an exception.
• The creation of Bioroids, Ghosts, and Fragments is highly regulated.