Regional economic integration removes trade barriers in a region, allowing for the free flow of goods, services, and people. The European Union is a perfect example of this type of structure. Other parts of the world also have started to integrate their own economic systems. As you read this section, think about what opportunities neighboring countries can offer one another when trade barriers are removed. What did European trade look like before the EU? How has economic integration benefitted European nations, and what new challenges has it created?