Final answer:
The European Union faces contention over economic strains between member states, challenges in foreign policy and internal affairs, and pressures from Euroskeptic sentiments among its member states.
Step-by-step explanation:
Major Sources of Contention in the European Union
One major source of contention in the European Union (EU) is the economic strain among its member states, particularly the discord arising from the varied economic capabilities and needs of wealthier and poorer countries. Wealthier nations sometimes resist sharing their prosperity, leading to tensions regarding the allocation of funds and economic assistance. The withdrawal of the United Kingdom, known as Brexit, highlighted the potential for member states to reconsider the benefits of EU membership, particularly in relation to sovereignty and financial contributions. Additionally, the EU faces challenges in presenting a unified front in foreign policy, especially in relation to external pressures from nations like Russia and China.
Another contentious issue is the management of internal affairs such as the adoption of the common currency, the euro, and the compliance with stringent EU regulations. Spain's overfishing problem exemplifies the difficulty the EU has in enforcing its policies, and the controversy over Greece's national debt underscores the economic challenges within the EU.
Finally, socio-cultural and geopolitical challenges, such as the handling of refugees and the establishment of a unified European identity, continue to provoke discord within the EU. Euroskeptic sentiments are manifesting within various member states, reflecting a backlash against the perceived loss of sovereign identity and an unequal sharing of financial burdens.