The document provides an overview of current issues facing Europe, including ethnic tensions in the Balkans stemming from the breakup of Yugoslavia in the 1990s and environmental crises across the continent. It then examines efforts toward greater European unity through organizations like the European Union (EU), addressing both the economic and political challenges involved in integrating diverse European states. Finally, it considers the ongoing process of EU expansion and the tensions that could arise from incorporating additional members with varying levels of development and democratic traditions.