<Li> The Union shall respect the equality of member states before the Treaties as well as their national identities, inherent in their fundamental structures, political and constitutional, inclusive of regional and local self - government . It shall respect their essential State functions, including ensuring the territorial integrity of the State, maintaining law and order and safeguarding national security . In particular, national security remains the sole responsibility of each member state . </Li> <Li> Pursuant to the principle of sincere cooperation, the Union and the member states shall, in full mutual respect, assist each other in carrying out tasks which flow from the Treaties . The member states shall take any appropriate measure, general or particular, to ensure fulfilment of the obligations arising out of the Treaties or resulting from the acts of the institutions of the Union . The member states shall facilitate the achievement of the Union's tasks and refrain from any measure which could jeopardise the attainment of the Union's objectives . </Li> <P> While the member states are sovereign, the union partially follows a supranational system that is comparable to federalism . Previously limited to European Community matters, the practice, known as the "community method", is currently used in most areas of policy . Combined sovereignty is delegated by each member to the institutions in return for representation within those institutions . This practice is often referred to as "pooling of sovereignty". Those institutions are then empowered to make laws and execute them at a European level . </P> <P> If a state fails to comply with the law of the European Union, it may be fined or have funds withdrawn . </P>

What countries are a part of the eu