EU Sinking (for now)

Dutch voters have joined the French in rejecting the EU Constitution. While the EU will remain an economic force, these are two serious blows to establishing themselves as a political force, with a foreign minister and a functional hierarchy. The perception that Europe does not want to integrate will likely have an economic impact as well.

When your country measures its lifespan in the thousands rather than the hundreds, it's not surprising that your citizens would cherish their sovereignty and be loath to give it up without careful consideration. This is actually a dodge for the US, who would absolutely be affected by a United States of Europe (our corporations already are; in fact, most of them adhere to many environmental standards that don't exist stateside because of the implications of breaking into the European market).

This kicker line in the story is very illuminating:

"In the countries that haven't voted yet, the people have the right to have their voices heard and their parliaments have the right to speak their piece,'' Luxembourg Prime Minister Jean- Claude Juncker told a Brussels press conference late yesterday.

"One is forced to observe tonight that Europe is no longer the stuff of dreams,'' he said.

I'm sure the right considers European unification as a pipe dream, a subject without need for concern. But the reality of it is probably inevitable, once they work out a compromise amenable to the major players. As it has such long-term effects on our foreign policy, it's pretty crucial we pay attention. A strong Europe can help us economically and reducing our peacekeeping burden globally. I'm sure there's a perception that we're the only superpower on the block and nobody ought to try to get to our level. But without the paranoia inherent in that worldview, unified Europe could be a very positive thing for this country. And it's going to happen eventually, so we might as well prepare for it.