Final answer:
The EU reinforces its position in global trade through the adoption of a common currency, the euro, and by eliminating trade barriers.
It also needs to act collectively to address challenges from other global powers and ensure internal regulation enforcement. The EU's supranational authority is reflected in its ability to govern international trade rules among its members.
Step-by-step explanation:
The European Union (EU) has taken several measures to reinforce its position in global trade. Established after World War II, it sought to prevent war through economic interdependency.
The EU has evolved from a free trade association into a full economic union with several goals. One significant step was the introduction of the common currency, the euro, which eliminated most national currencies to ease trade and financial transactions. Additionally, the EU focuses on eliminating barriers to the free movement of goods, labor, and capital.
Challenges such as the aggressiveness of Russia and China, and internal issues like enforcement of regulations and Brexit, have required the EU to adapt its policies.
As highlighted by former High Representative Javier Solana, the EU must act in unison to be a strong international actor. The EU also relies on member state governments to establish and enforce international trade rules, which is indicative of the EU's supranational authority.