The big French vote against the EU constitution is a reassertion of the nationalism that the EU project was designed to temper. Many in France think the constitution too free market and Anglo-Saxon, just as many in Britain think it too dirigiste and centralist. They oppose it for the same reason, though, rejecting the way it would limit the right of their country to choose its own future, and to express what they see as part of its national character.

The French like their high social benefit economic model, while many in Britain view it as untenable amid global competition. The French went along with the surrenders of sovereignty which the EU project entails because they have seen them, until now, as an extension of French influence. It was other countries which had to yield to the French vision. Now, however, in a Europe of 25 members of diverse character, the French see themselves being required to abandon their traditions and embrace alien values. And they have said no.

As one nation reasserted itself, another nation died. This was the nation of Europe, which was to have been given its own President, Foreign Minister and diplomatic service by that new constitution. With the veto of member states diminished, the new nation would have taken unto itself more of the powers they used to exercise. It would have acquired new authority to direct the lives and laws of its members.

The vision which inspired its supporters was of a nation large enough and powerful enough to stand alongside the continental powers of the USA, Russia, China and India. Those nations, however, shared a culture, a history and a common sense of identity which Europeans do not feel. The European peoples do not feel Europe to be a country, and have been lukewarm or hostile to the attempts of a political élite to turn it into a state.

Europe will continue to change, but as a collection of nations instead of a single, powerful new one. Its members will converge on some issues but will go their own way on others. The failed vision was modeled on what nations had done before, whereas the reality of what now emerges in Europe will be of something new, and probably of more value to its members.