Russia – considered a potential superpower, is a major great power and has historically been the primary geopolitical force in Europe. However, France, Germany, Italy and United Kingdom are regarded as the Big Four of Europe.[47][48] Historically, dominant powers in this region created large colonial empires worldwide (such as the British, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, German, Russian and Dutch empires). Most of the continent is now integrated as a consequence of the enlargement of the European Union.