French and Dutch reject EU Constitution

The people of both France and the Netherlands have voted against the proposed Constitution of the European Union over the past two days, striking a devastating blow to the European integration project. The proposed constitution would have consolidated a series of treaties which have structured the Union over the past half century. By many estimations, the constitution would have strengthened the Union at the expense of member-state sovereignty, continuing to create the "ever closer union" which was the goal in the establishing Treaty of Rome in 1957. These efforts seem to be thwarted, at least for the time being. There is much uncertainty as to what will happen next. Options include a revised constitution, voting again on the existing document, and leaving the idea to die. Other consequences also abound, including how expansion of the Union will continue from here, with controversial talks of potential Turkish membership scheduled to start next Fall.