On May 9, 2010, 27 European Union (EU)  member states celebrated its 60th year of its birthday. We must admitted that the founders of the  EU are actually people who are knowledgeable and farsighted. Beginning with the Robert Schuman proposal, former French foreign minister and one of the founders of the EU, on May 9, 1950 to establish cooperation between European countries in the form of community, 60 years later the proposal materialized with the integration of the European Community, known as the EU.

It’s amazing to see the success of the EU in implementing the regional integration process, since Europe at that time suffering from the second World War and the split between east and west blocks in the cold war era. Lesson from the past and look at the success achieved, other than trying to create a prosperous European Community, the EU also wants a role in the international association order in today’s global era.

To achieve the desired goals, the EU is faced with the challenge to reorganize the internal affairs of post-implementation of the Treaty of Lisbon in December 2009. Lisbon Treaty is an important instrument since it is seen as a mini-constitution that will be the future of the EU roadmap.

With the approval of the Treaty of Lisbon, the EU has a different posture. EU Council and European Parliament collectively have the authority in the making and giving approval to the legislation and the budget. EU also has a permanent office of the Presidency and Foreign Minister who served for a term of 2.5 years, and can be re-elected. Elected as President of the EU today is Herman Van Rompuy, former Prime Minister of Belgium. While Lady Catherine Ashton was elected as minister of Foreign Affairs.

With different postures, EU leaders want a motion and a more coherent in answering global challenges. EU hoped at least be able to address three main issues of concern are global warming, the European role in the world, and efforts to promote democracy and participation of all components of society. Seeing the seriousness of its member countries, it seems that the EU could  restore the strength of Europe as the main pillar of the world.