It's like a train speeding down a steep hill. Nothing can stop it now. Even if its wheels left the tracks, the momentum is so great, it would just keep on going. That's the way I see the European unification project. And, according to this report, I'm not alone anymore Read about it here.

In this case, there is a curve in the tracks in the form of a possible French rejection of the Constitution at the end of this month. In fact, just thinking about it is almost causing panic. Why? Because, the European unification process was started by a French Foreign Minister by the name of Robert Schuman back in 1950. You see, France is one of the EU's founding member states.

This brings us to one of the men who has the most to lose -- Javier Solana. Under the new Constitution, Solana is to become the EU's first, super Foreign Minister. What does Solana think about the possibility of a French rejection of the Constitution? According to this report, Solana is concerned, but not afraid. The report says:

EU High Representative for foreign policy Javier Solana says he doesn't fear the French constitutional referendum, but he is concerned. The risk, Solana says, is that often in referenda people vote not on the merits of the specific issue--in this case a constitutional draft that was largely written by Frenchmen--but on their momentary mood and disgruntlement about other things Read about it here.

Then, Solana says something I find interesting. He calls the EU a "beautiful house." Solana says: 

It would show "tremendous irresponsibility," he adds, to destroy "this beautiful house" that reconciled World War II foes and went on to become "an example for the world" of multilateralism.

You see, not only does the name Javier Solana mean "sunshine," it also means "house." In other words, the EU is Mr. Sunshine's beautiful house.

This brings up a good question: Why is Solana concerned about the French election, but not afraid? After all, if the Constitution isn't ratified, he doesn't become the EU's first Foreign Minister. Or, does he? Like I said earlier, I don't think it really matters anymore. Solana knows the EU train is already going too fast to stop. In fact, curves or no curves, it's as I've been reporting. Solana's train is scheduled to arrive sometime in 2010. This report says:

The EU on Tuesday (10 May) unveiled a five-year programme to develop closer co-operation between member states in the field of migration policy, but also in the fight against terrorism. The Action Plan "allows the concrete implementation" of the overall priorities for Freedom, Justice and Security, also known as The Hague Programme, explained Franco Frattini, the EU justice commissioner. One of the main priorities is a common immigration policy by 2010 Read about it here. 

Friends, the EU train just keeps coming. And, perhaps, Mr. Sunshine's "beautiful house."

The House of the Rising Sun.