European Union (EU) membership affects national sovereignty by requiring member states to cede some degree of authority to central EU institutions. While EU membership brings benefits such as access to a single market and cooperative governance, it can also lead to debates over the balance between national interests and collective decision-making. Issues like migration, trade regulations, and environmental standards are often subject to EU laws, which can limit individual countries' autonomy. Consequently, the interplay between national sovereignty and EU obligations continues to be a significant topic of discussion among member states.