If core reasons for founding the European Union were indeed to banish both war and political extremism from the European continent, then those goals have not been achieved, and the EU remains as important as ever to achieving them. War is now inconceivable between thewestern European states but it remains all too possible in the Balkans and parts of the former Soviet Union.

As to Political extremism, this is of course very widespread on the EU’s periphery. But what is Even more alarming is that disquieting signs of chauvinism, fuelled by economic resentment and fear of immigration, are reappearing in western Europe, itselfand have been reflected in part in the recent referendums. As on some previous occasions, The entire party system no longer seems to fit many voters’ needs, leading to eruptions of inchoate and nihilist anger. against the system. as a whole.