If you want to understand what is happening to the European Union’s constitution, the EU flag is a good place to start. It is generally agreed that when European leaders meet at a summit in Brussels next week, they will agree to delete references to the flag in the constitution.

So the 12 yellow stars on a blue background will be hauled down from flag-posts all over Brussels? Not at all. Everybody knows the flags will keep flying. The words in the constitution will change. But the substance will remain the same.