The Dutch have followed the French ‘non’ and voted ‘nay’ on the European Union constitution. But its clear voters across Europe have been voting on much more than a treaty.
In these two referenda, they have given a thumbs down to some of the fundamental principles behind the EU — ideals of free trade and ethnic integration. And though it’s not on the ballot, immigration is much on the minds of European voters. The EU’s inclusive rhetoric has clashed with the reality that many Europeans aren’t comfortable with the melting pot’s ethnic stew.
The EU recently expanded to 25 countries, welcoming a group from the former Eastern bloc– and Turkey might be next. All this has unleashed a wave of fear about job losses and about growing numbers of Muslims moving into traditionally Christian countries.
Guests:
Jocelyne Cesari, Visiting Associate Professor at Harvard’s Center for Middle East Studies and Divinity School
George Parker, Bureau Chief for the Financial Times in Brussels
Jim Schilder, an editor with the Dutch magazine HP/ De Tijd.