The article discusses the evolution of European integration from a community to a union, exploring the ideas of federalism and intergovernmentalism. It examines the transformation of institutional authority, the impact of the Single European Act and the 1992 milestone, and the development of common policies. The study also highlights the role of political cooperation, the concept of a "people's Europe," and the challenges faced by reluctant partners like the UK, Greece, and Denmark. The article concludes by proposing the idea of a United States of Europe as an agenda for the 21st century.