EU draws up plans to establish itself as "world power"

An article has just come out in the Telegraph with this title:
"Europe draws up plans to establish itself as 'world power'". For someone who is familiar with the prophecies of Daniel 2 and 7, and the prophecies about the revived Roman Empire that is expected during the season of Christ's return, this is chilling. We know from these significant prophetic scriptures that at the time of Christ's return, we'd have another Roman Empire in existence, an empire that would grow into a "10 King" empire which would rule over the earth and serve to support the antichrist.

We've already seen the rapid growth of the core EU into 27 nations, and then the unexpected development of the Mediterranean Union that practically doubled the size of the EU, as the Mediterranean Union is essentially an outgrowth of the EU. Now we see some quotes - from a secular point of view - which could have been taken directly from the prophetic scriptures:

"The European Union has drawn up secret plans to establish itself as a global power in its own right with the authority to sign international agreements on behalf of member states."

"As we have long warned, the Lisbon Treaty increases the EU's power at the expense of the countries of Europe."

"The decision, taken shortly before Ireland's referendum last week, will mean a new European diplomatic service with over 160 'EU representatives' and ambassadors around the world."

"Giving the EU legal personality means that the EU, rather than member states, will be able to sign all kinds of international agreements - on foreign policy, defense, crime and judicial issues - for the first time."

Watching the growth of the EU, and now its seemingly imminent Lisbon Treaty finalization, along with the political posturing behind the scenes is fascinating. We know from prophecy that the EU will ultimately give birth to the 10 Kings and then the antichrist will gain power; he will arise from these 10 Kings. This system will finally encompass the entire world, for a brief period during the Tribulation. We are now witnessing the beginning of this process - or perhaps better stated - the beginning of the last phases of this process.

Just the headline alone, as written in the Telegraph has a striking similarity to the scriptures:
"EU draws up plans to establish itself as 'world power'"

And the scriptures inform us that indeed this "regenerated" Roman Empire of the last days will indeed grow into a world power (Daniel 7:23):
"The fourth beast is a fourth kingdom that will appear on earth. It will be different from all the other kingdoms and will devour the whole earth, trampling it down and crushing it."

Its just a matter of time. During the Tribulation a leader will emerge from this kingdom and lead the world during its darkest days. Those days are rapidly approaching now. Just like birth pains - the imagery that Jesus provided in his end times discourse - the signs that surround us are all occurring more frequently and more dramatically with each passing week.