There is no doubt that the European Union did accomplish many feats that are valuable not just for Europeans but for the world in general. They have built peace among member states, and a demonstrated ability to generate further security by enlarging the union and by providing conditions for prosperity. The social safety net that European populations enjoy, even if no longer affordable in its current form, is enviable.

If and when the internal political systems overcome their current sclerosis, the Europeans will have much to offer the rest of the world. The first of their two main challenges will be how to integrate their permanent and growing immigrant communities. A European civil rights movement with national color may be an option for pursuing that goal. The second challenge will be to move away from corporatist economic structures while managing to hold on to the main tenets of a social welfare system.

If these are accomplished, an expanded union that executes common foreign and security policies will be an important center of political power, and could project Europe’s peace and vision beyond its borders. Call me biased, and I am of course biased, but this agenda cannot be accomplished without Turkey’s adhesion.