The EU is not democratic - it has an almost comical, deeply undemocratic system. Nevertheless, the EU is cleverly (not democratically, of course) expanding its powers at the expense of the democratic nation states. The EU is often politically unreasonable and is de facto led by Germany and France (which is why it is so politically stupid), which make up only a third of its population. The personnel of the EU - that is a disaster, with a lady at the top who was the close associate of Angela Merkel (that would have been enough to prove the disaster), and is known for her failures, even as defense minister in Germany (she recognized the lack of childcare as the biggest problem of the Bundeswehr).
BUT: Without the EU, Germany would never have helped Ukraine, but sold it out for cooperation with Russia. Baltic states would have long been forced allies of Russia. France would have forged continental alliances against Germany. Berlin would be even more full of Russian agents than it was under Schröder and Merkel. Russia would have its say between the Baltic and the Adriatic.
The EU is proof that Europeans know nothing about democracy and can live without it. That they are hypocrites who want to enjoy life (mostly on the cheap because, like children, they don't believe in death) and little else.
BUT: Without the EU, Europe might not have existed.
The EU is the only hope for Europe. It must be democratized and federalized. Only if this happens will there be a good future for the European peoples. Without the EU, they will get what they deserve.