>>13576165
Well, as the EU is the Revived Holy Roman Empire, it makes sense that they see themselves both looking back to the Roman Empire, and looking forward to the New & Improved Holy Roman Empire.
Oddly enough they scrubbed most of the footage from the interwebz where one of the EU members dazed and in shock clearly communicated that truth to the media; that the EU was, in fact, the Revived Holy Roman Empire.
Or more technically, an amalgamation of the Old Holy Roman Empire, with the strength of iron, and a New Ally, say, with the strength of broken pottery.
So, an Empire comprised of, let's say for argument's sake, 10 regions, that are comprised of a mixture of iron and clay, that don't mix very well.
But do intend to rule the world for a thousand years.