With continuing European integration, the <answer>European Union</answer> is increasingly being seen as a great power in its own right, with representation at the WTO and at G8 and G-20 summits. This is most notable in areas where the <answer>European Union</answer> has exclusive competence (i.e. economic affairs). It also reflects a non-traditional conception of Europe's world role as a global "civilian power", exercising collective influence in the functional spheres of trade and diplomacy, as an alternative to military dominance. The <answer>European Union</answer> is a supranational union and not a sovereign state, and has limited scope in the areas of foreign affairs and defence policy. These remain largely with the member states of the <answer>European Union</answer>, which include the three great powers of France, Germany and the United Kingdom (referred to as the "EU three").
What organization is often seen as a great power in addition to member counties?
European Union