The argument that action in the CD is blocked by the rule of consensus which empowers a small number of States, enabling them to peddle disagreements over the scope and purpose of the treaty and its putative linkages to other issues, is not tenable.

At a time of anti establishment rage and political upheaval, anti EU campaigners can peddle three fantasies of a post EU future a free market, foreigner free, or socialist Utopia. The pro EU camp, by contrast, has to sell the reality of the EU as it is, warts and all.

The ongoing exodus from Syria and other war torn countries was long in the making, easy to foresee, and eminently manageable. Fear mongering nativists are taking advantage of the lack of a coordinated response to peddle a vision that runs counter to the values upon which the EU was built.