>>Thank you for taking the time to collect that. You have answered my basic question. Obviously my perception of the EU as an economic coalition was too limiting, even today.
>
>But the moment you hear about a 'EU minister of foreign affairs' (as an example) cooperation has gone too far. That's my POV.

If you think that is already too far, you will encounter in the years to come many moments in the same spirit. Not a POV, a prediction.