A very interesting and valid comparision between the EU and the American states. What seperates them is that America is a defined country with the states alrea

A very interesting and valid comparision between the EU and the American states. What seperates them is that America is a defined country with the states already there and the EU model seems to be about borging anybody nearby who wants to sign up, least these days. Almost akin to office politics empire building. Then the whole cultural aspect as you rightly put it is maybe more varied than what the States have to accomodate. Could even look at language barriers on that one as a definition of cultural divides. Fact esperanto has not taken off would also indicate the types of issues any one rule fits all approach takes as being flawed. It is also worth noting that the States has/does have a bit of a North/South divide and that is true of many countries and with that I see the whole EU evolving into a formal two-tier system in some form as the current expansion/change rate is not sustainable without many negative side effects. Bit like developing on a green feild or upgrading existing buildings the end result and ideals are often two seperate results even if sold as being the same in the budgeting/planning.