Nationalism Ignites EU Rebellion

Last week's French and Dutch referendums on the EU constitution are believed to be popular expressions of unease over the pace and nature of European integration. While most Europeans have benefited from 50 years of developments that have brought about a common currency, convenient travel and easier trade, many citizens are anxious about future unification measures that threaten to impinge on national sovereignty and cultural identities. The prospect of legal and social uniformity sparked fear in both the French, who fear erosion of their welfare state, and the Dutch, who wish to safeguard their liberal laws. Last week's election results reflected the fact that Brussels bureaucrats thought too far ahead of the European public, and will likely put the brakes on their more ambitious plans for integration for some time yet. – YaleGlobal