We must steer a course which encompasses coherence but which does not place anyone in a straitjacket, while also allowing ourselves access to our nationalities, cultures and histories. It is often a sense of shared history that is brought to bear on certain issues, whether social or commercial. The countries of Europe have all been either strong colonial powers or have struggled for independence and nationhood. It may seem strange, but in debates on particular issues in Europe there is a wonderful sense that small is the same as big and that each type of country is entitled to its own opinion.