Both Articles make clear that the Union acts only within the limits of the competences conferred upon it by the Member States, but then state clearly that 'Competences not conferred upon the Union in the Treaties remain with the Member States'. Article 4(1) repeats this and goes on to stipulate that 'The Union shall respect the equality of Member States before the Treaties as well as their national identities, inherent in their fundamental structures, political and constitutional, inclusive of regional and local self-government. It shall respect their essential State functions, including ensuring the territorial integrity of the State, maintaining law and order and safeguarding national security.