Executive Summary page 1 – 2
             Recalling the historic importance of ending the division of the European continent and the need to create a firm base for future growth in Europe, members of the European Communities met in 1992 to promote European economic integration. Member nations were determined to advance economic and social progress for their people. There was a need to facilitate the free movement of persons while ensuring their safety and security. Members signed a Treaty to promote a balanced and sustainable single market economy, strengthen cohesion and to implement policies that would establish the European Union (EU).
             The Maastrich Treaty resolved to mark a new stage in the process of European integration. A desire to deepen the solidarity between their peoples while respecting their history, their culture and their traditions by including provisions on justice and home affairs in this Treaty.
             The benefits of easing commerce could be realized, but not so obvious were the problems that it would create. There is a need for a single market financial system. There is also a need for a logistic system that allows for efficient border crossing. These borders would not only across the countries but also across the oceans. With the size of the EU growing to 25 countries since the signing of the treaty the single-market mind of the EU cannot be ignored by the United States. Five major areas will be explored in this research of global logistics challenges between the EU and US. They include culture, political stability, regulation, customer service and transportation.
             Culture Differences both within the EU and the US can be enough to halt the discussions for business before it begins. Different views on vacation time and work hours to gender differentiation. Business between so many different countries and cultures can create chaos.
             An event or policy that seems small in the mind of one culture can be d...