It’s just the way Brussels is …

Put 28 politicians into a room – 27 after March 29 next when the United Kingdom formally leaves the EU – and you’re bound to get a body that moves ponderously, and delays decisions long enough for a consensus to be built by default or until necessary.

EU’s official business is conducted in three procedural languages of English, French and German, and paperwork produced in all its 24 official languages.

Twice during the previous 40 years, western Europe had endured two catastrophic World Wars and there was determination to find a better way forward.

From the original six members of the European Economic Community, the body has grown to embrace 28 members – with others eager to join a club that has offered unparallelled prosperity, opportunity and stability.

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