Since the end of the Second World War, the issue of European integration has taken on ever-greater economic and political importance. Upon communism’s collapse in Eastern and Central Europe, a special new dimension was added to the process. The idea of building a united and integrated Europe by abolishing artificial state frontiers and creating conditions under which Europeans might live peaceful, happy lives remains attractive.
The problem, however, is that the Europe now emerging is far removed from this grand and noble idea.