NATIONS IN PROPHECY

EUROPEAN UNION

A BRIEF HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE

European Union is the name of the organization for the member countries in Europe that have decided to co-operate on a great number of areas, ranging from a single market to foreign policy, and from mutual recognition of school diplomas to exchange of criminal records. Simply speaking, it was formerly known as the EEC, European Economic Community which was established in 1958 by a Treaty of Rome. A brief knowledge of this organization is of particular interest as it marks the soon coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. (For more information, read the Book of Revelation on the beast with 10 horns).

Officially founded 1 November 1993, the EU consists of 15 member states :

- Austria - Germany - Netherlands - Belgium - Greece - Portugal - Denmark - Ireland - Spain - Finland - Italy - Sweden - France - Luxembourg - United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

Over the years, the EU has increased in size with the entry of new members and in scope with the enlargement of its political responsibilities. These 15 different nations determined to shape their future together. Now, its main constitutional objectives are " .... to promote economic and social progress, .... to assert its identity on the international scene, .... to introduce a citizenship of the Union, to develop close co-operation on justice and home affairs ...."

For the next few years, the EU has three priorities: introduce the single currency called the euro by the year 1999, prepare for new members and define its future shape at the "Intergovernmental Conference". According to EU, it wants to fulfill its responsibilities as a leading global power in a rapidly changing world.

Like most international organizations, the EU uses both official languages and working languages. Whereas official languages are used only for official public documents, working languages are languages used internally.

The European Union flag has twelve gold stars in a circle on a blue background. The numbers of stars was not intended to indicate the number of member states. Rather, the number of twelve stars is to be a symbol of completeness and of unity. In terms of decision-making, attempts are being made within the Council to reflect the size and populations of larger EU countries.

The EU is actively working towards establishing a common Euro-Mediterranean area of peace, prosperity and stability. With this as its goal, it is co-operating with the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), Eygpt, Lebanon, Jordan and Algeria to create a Euro-Mediterranean Free Trade Area. All these countries are really forming up as part of the revived Roman Empire.

Economically, the EU is the world’s largest trade grouping, and in time to come, they wll become a real force to reckon with. Hence, when they share their power with the Antichrist, the beast will be able to control the world economy. Already now when they speak as one voice over matters in international trade, the other nations of the world have had to listen. At the present moment, the EU has a wide range of commercial agreements with its many trading partners such as the Central & Eastern European countries, African countries and Asian countries.

The nature of the European Union fits biblical prophecies of the 10 horns which is part of the Antichrist beast that arose out of the Mediterranean Sea and it would do us well to continue to watch the world news on the policies and development of the EU. By 1 January 1999, their common currency will be in place. After that, what’s next ...... WATCH and PRAY and BE READY for HIS COMING ....!

Beryl Ng
Dip.Ed,B.A., BA(B.Th)
Assistant Registrar
El-Shaddai Conventions

Copyright © Beryl Ng, 1997
This article was first published in the Word Aflame Newsletter, of El-Shaddai Conventions,
The Training Arm of our Vision.

 

Bibliography

1. European Union, http://www.chemie.fu-berlin.de/adressen/eu.html
2. EU Basics General Questions, http://www.eubasics.allmansland.com/general.html#xtocid266091
3. The abc of the European Union, http:/www.europa.eu.int/abc-en.htm
4. Commercial Policy, http://www.europa.eu.int/pol/comm/en/info.htm