Never closer Union
But, as Charles Grant of the CER noted earlier this month, things have changed since Cameron’s speech: Twelve months ago, German officials were all for treaty change; six months ago, they really hoped it would be possible, but recognised that it might not be. Now they think that in an ideal world, treaty change would be desirable, but they are mostly reconciled to its postponement for a long time. The reason is simple: the only other member-state that wants treaty change is the UK, which means that the chances of the whole EU adopting a new treaty are zero.