Crowds in the streets and an assertion of independence by parliament and judiciary seem to have restored democracy in Ukraine. These developments pull the country towards western Europe and away from Russia. The European Union will this week decide whether to begin discussions on Turkish accession. Should Ukraine also be a candidate?

It is a measure of the EU's success that everyone wants to join. In last weekend's Romanian presidential election, each party claimed to be keener than the next about the country's imminent accession. Moroccans wish the Strait of Gibraltar bridged so they can qualify as European. There is something odd about a club that arouses more enthusiasm from those outside than those inside. But there are reasons.