Originally Posted by Choleric

I was thinking more about the USA during the first 50 years or so of its existence, where the states still had a lot of power over the federal government and were more independent.

You have to admit the EU is very similar to when The US first formed, the colonies or states were all pretty much there own nation, with their laws and people living in them unique to each to state. Once they joined they agreed on a federal government, which at first was very weak and had little power and they later even agreed on a universial currency. Also as more territories met certain requirements they could apply to join The united states.

It was not until a few certain presidents and policies did the power shift from the states to the federal government and therefor become more like the United States we know today.

Granted the EU is made up of long established nations and governments, as you pointed out, so its not completely the same, but there are similarities between the EU and the US in its early days.