The phrase "closer union" means bringing people, countries, or groups together to form a stronger and more unified connection. It implies working together and fostering deeper cooperation towards a common goal. Full definition
This seismic event poses a new challenge to our understanding of European integration as a progressive process of ever closer union. (europeanlawblog.eu)
We will have to choose between being submerged in ever closer union or being set free to determine our own destiny. (thesun.co.uk)
Perhaps the greatest gift of all the steps, next only to sobriety, is contained in the next two — the steps of the daily inventory, the daily seeking of closer union with God. (religion-online.org)