The problem is not "aligning the core systems". The problem is that each of those systems has its own independent government and tries to defend first and forem

The problem is not "aligning the core systems". The problem is that each of those systems has its own independent government and tries to defend first and foremost its own interests against the other countries in the union. The fact that France, Germany, the Netherlands, Italy, etc. have their own foreign ministers, their own defense ministers (and armies) and so on is the issue. Or the fact that the US government can address its requests to a Dutch minister, or a French minister. Someone who can't reply "oh yes? Then we'll have that German or Irish industry stop importing from you. And forget about the participation of the whole EU army in any of your present and future aggressions around the world".