<P> The politics of the European Union are different from other organisations and states due to the unique nature of the European Union ( EU ) . The EU is similar to a confederation , where many policy areas are federalised into common institutions capable of making law ; however the EU does not , unlike most states , control foreign policy , defence policy or the majority of direct taxation policies ( the EU does limit the level of variation allowed for VAT ) . These areas are primarily under the control of the EU 's member states although a certain amount of structured co-operation and coordination takes place in these areas . For the EU to take substantial actions in these areas , all Member States must give their consent . EU laws that override national laws are more numerous than in historical confederations ; however the EU is legally restricted from making law outside its remit or where it is no more appropriate to do so at a national or local level ( subsidiarity ) when acting outside its exclusive competencies . The principle of subsidiarity does not apply to areas of exclusive competence . </P>
<P> The politics of the European Union are different from other organisations and states due to the unique nature of the European Union ( EU ) . The EU is similar to a confederation , where many policy areas are federalised into common institutions capable of making law ; however the EU does not , unlike most states , control foreign policy , defence policy or the majority of direct taxation policies ( the EU does limit the level of variation allowed for VAT ) . These areas are primarily under the control of the EU 's member states although a certain amount of structured co-operation and coordination takes place in these areas . For the EU to take substantial actions in these areas , all Member States must give their consent . EU laws that override national laws are more numerous than in historical confederations ; however the EU is legally restricted from making law outside its remit or where it is no more appropriate to do so at a national or local level ( subsidiarity ) when acting outside its exclusive competencies . The principle of subsidiarity does not apply to areas of exclusive competence . </P>
what type of government is the european union
what type of government is the european union
similar to a confederation
similar to a confederation