LONDON -- The latest battle of Brussels is over and news of the outcome is circulating through the capitals of the European Union. But unlike the ferocious battles of past centuries on European soil, this appears to be an engagement that everyone has won.
The French are happy because the new European treaty that has emerged from the clash downgrades competition and free-market economics as the goals of the EU, which the French never warmed to, much preferring protection for their industries and farmers.
The Germans are happy because their leader, Chancellor Angela Merkel, said she badly wanted a new constitution for Europe, and although it is no longer called that, it amounts to a huge new rule book for the EU — a constitution in all but name.