All sorts of nationalist attitudes emerged from the shadows - the “no” votes merely opened Pandora’s box. The Luxembourg Presidency did its best to broker a compromise solution. But, as Jean-Claude Juncker said, behind the ideological battle over the agricultural policy and the British rebate another fight is ongoing, between those who want a political and social union on the basis of a social market economy and social rights, in short: a European social model, and those who want only a sort of free trade zone, a less institutionalised and less regulated free market vision.

The UK Presidency, unfortunately, is likely to deepen the political confrontation over the future direction of the EU rather than heal it. It is important now to have a real debate about EU priorities, which will define the budgetary structure. The ETUC will help to prepare for this debate, will continue to oppose nationalistic forces, and will work to build Social Europe.