United Territories of Central Europe

The United Territories of Central Europe, also known as the UTCE or Central Territories (CE), is a country located in Europe. It consists of ten states - the Netherlands, Germany, France, Belgium, Switzerland, Czechia, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia and Poland - as well as numerous outposts and military installations in disputed Belarus.

The Central Territories is run by a strict military government following Direction Theory and is currently embroiled in armed conflict with Free Russochina.

History
The Central Territories was established in 3 AL by Lyall Seyler as the final stage of an alliance between Trident, the Eurasian Liberation Army, and numerous insurgencies operating within central Europe. The first territorial draft encompassed not only central Europe, but Ukraine, Belarus and much of Russia. Tension between Seyler and ELA leader Engel Haas led to the ELA withdrawing from the alliance; an incident involving the death of Lyall's husband Jonathan sparked war between the UTCE and ELA-led Russochina.

The Central Territories' early years were marred by conflict with Free Russochina. Though conflict was restricted to the borders of the two nations, the flow of supplies to the war effort severely stunted growth elsewhere.

Culture
Seyler's Direction Theory emphasized a strong work ethic and a collective, altruistic view of society. As such, the culture of the Central Territories is defined by strong communal bonds and human pride. This overarching sense of oneness merges with the local cultures of each member state.

Labor is given much focus. Workers' welfare and rights are prioritized in legislation and in artwork; automation and advanced technologies are commonly disliked for their perceived connections with the Combine. It is common for CE citizens to judge the worth of themselves and of others based on their contributions in the workplace.

The musical landscape of the UTCE is diverse. It is the birthplace of eurogrime and vortibass.

Technology
The UTCE's stunted development in its formative years combined with anti-Combine technophobia stalled the adoption of automated technology such as in Kytheria or Psi. Machinery that renders human workers obsolete tends to be shunned.

The Grunermann Project was conducted in the UTCE.

No liftports have been constructed.