In their introduction to the book Zhou Hong and Beate Kohler-Koch explain what is meant by ‘EU model’. In many respects the EU is unique but it has achieved to build ‘unity in diversity’ in a way which may serve as a model. Just because the EU is unique and because it is important due to its economic strength and its impact on world affairs，it is vital to better understand what the EU stands for in terms of values and objectives and how the EU operates. The individual chapters of the book，which originated from collaborative research，shed light on the model character of the EU in state-building and community formation，in the ways and means of governing internal diversity，and in exerting soft power in world affairs. After reviewing all the contributions，the authors conclude that the EU makes a model by being unique in itself，by forming an alternative model for peace and development，and by structuring relations within Europe and beyond by shaping and framing the norms and order of the world through ‘soft power’. Considering that the EU is a system in the making，it will change also in reaction to outside pressure；last，not least resulting from globalization，a process that is also influencing China.