Abstract
The European construction has always evolved through crisis and this is probably due to its ambitious project and nature. However, it worked successfully until today because it has been occurring through a “step by step process”, to quote the Schuman Declaration. This neo-functionalist method made possible the transformation of the European construction from a utopia to a concrete reality. It has thus played an indispensable and very positive role in the elaboration of what is now called the “European Union”. In the meanwhile, such a method —which implies to be patient— is frustrating for federalists and for all those who look forward to seeing a strong European polity emerging which would rely on a “European demos” and a real European political arena. The present situation of the EU is also irritating for them as it is the first economic power of the world but doesn't have the political voice corresponding to this economic weight in the international politics —except for commercial negotiations.
