The recently launched one-year-long collective brainstorming on the future of the Union is an attractive idea indeed. By seeking input directly from the citizens, it is planned to serve as the basis for reforming the EU – and who knows: maybe even have another go at the treaty itself. However, this sympathetic scenario needs nuancing from the outset. First of all, the conclusions are already in the bag. Secondly, on fundamental political issues, the EU will remain just as incapable after. Thirdly, posing the question of the European Union’s common future is a mistake by itself. If they insist on the 27-member format, Europe will have no future whatsoever. It will write itself out of History, and its fate will be decided by outside powers. ...