Algebra, geometry and a constitutional vision

Following the presentation of the Commission's recommendations on Tuesday this week as to whether they should be allowed to join the European Union less than 100 days hence, it would now require something of a political earthquake for Romania and Bulgaria not to be running the blue flag up the\nflag pole on 1 January 2007.

Assuming all member states who haven't yet done so follow the Commission's advice to ratify the accession treaty, Romania and Bulgaria will be members of the Union on...