The EU constitution was soundly rejected a couple of years by French and Dutch voters, and looked likely to be rejected by most EU citizens, if they’d been given a chance to vote.

So rather than persuade or compromise, the EUniks simply withdrew the constitution and created the Treaty of Lisbon, which did all that the despised constitution did, but was pushed through parliaments without the troublesome need for a referendum. (Gordon Brown had promised the Brits a referendum, but when it became obvious he’d lose, he reneged. Eire is the only EU nation to allow its citizens a vote, but the suddenly-flush Irish wouldn’t dream of rocking the Community boat.)

Today, however, Le Figaro reports that Turkish membership in the EU will require a referendum. Put the EU stamp on anything, and most Europeans will vote against it. They thought the EU constitution was a turkey. They’re not likely to feel well-disposed toward the real thing.