Reaction to what was not expected even six months ago—-rejection of the new European Union (EU) constitution by the voters of France and the Netherlands—has been mixed. Conservative newspapers in Britain regard the popular rejections as a grave crisis for the EU.

For example, Daily Mail commentator Simon Heffer wrote: "There is no point in understatement. The crisis in which the European Union—or, more specifically, the European Commission that so ineptly runs it—finds itself after the French referendum is, quite simply, the gravest in its entire history" (May 31, emphasis added throughout).

Yet Luxembourg's Jean-Claude Juncker stated, "If the French said 'oui,' European integration would proceed, and if they said 'non,' European integration would proceed." Many EU elites remain in denial and are determined to push things forward as future opportunities allow. It is difficult for them to accept the fact that the democratic process could halt or even delay their plans for European unification.

An American assessment just prior to the vote

A recent article in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution summarized Europe's status in this headline: "Renewed Clout: From the Ashes of a World War, the EU Rises as a Counterweight to American Ascendancy" (May 8).

This particular piece assessed Europe as "every bit a superpower" and noted that America statistically trails the 25-nation EU combine in a number of important measurements, including population and gross national product. It also stated, accurately, that "Europe has significant political influence, which can sometimes limit American options in the world and which U.S. policymakers and voters must take into account."

So the question must now be asked: Do these two referendum results change all that? The answer is no.

Until a few years ago, noted author, historian and journalist Paul Johnson's weekly column in the Daily Mail provided Europe watchers and observers with an incisive analysis of current affairs always buttressed by a keen knowledge of British, European and American history. However, in the last couple of years or so Melanie Phillips has stepped into the gap and fulfilled Mr. Johnson's role in an admirable manner.

Although an American by birth, I have been a correspondent in Britain for nearly 30 years and often share her views as I did Mr. Johnson's. Ms. Phillips is a realist about Europe. She wrote in her column of May 30:

"For regardless of the constitution, the reality is that countries of the EU are already the helpless captives of an all-encompassing, anti-democratic bureaucracy with a life of its own. Much of the [new] constitution was always going to be imposed upon us anyway through the seemingly endless wrinkles in existing treaties. Indeed the creation of an EU diplomatic service and the harmonisation of criminal justice are already well under way. In other words nothing so trivial as the will of the people would ever be allowed to derail the EU project."

This insightful writer does not mince words. She concludes: "Whatever the final fate of that particular treaty [the constitution], that fanatical and corrupt elite that drives the EU onwards will not give up . . . They will continue to deprive us of our ancient liberties, slice by salami slice."

A United States of Europe?

William Rees-Mogg is another author and astute observer of the European scene. He is a former editor of The Times and now the newspaper's premier columnist. In his view, "the treaty [the new constitution] took us a long stride closer to the United States of Europe run by bureaucrats for the benefit of the European political class . . . The United States of Europe has been the real objective of the European project from the beginning, admitted by some leading figures, concealed by others" (June 6).

The mutual trade aspects of the EU should never be underrated. Yet the ideals of the elites have always been the unseen driving force behind the European Union. The early pioneers were much wiser than the current crop of EU leaders. Jean Monnet, an early architect, wisely advised: "Avoid bureaucracy. Guide, do not dictate. [Have] minimal rules"—advice which the EU has not followed.

Paul Johnson, who did comment later in The Wall Street Journal, stated that "Europe's founding fathers—Monnet himself, Robert Schumann in France, Alcide de Gasperi in Italy and Konrad Adenauer in Germany—were all fervently pro-American and anxious to make it possible for European populations to enjoy U.S.-style living standards."

Mr. Rees-Mogg said: "Most supporters of the European project have hoped to lure the people to accept the United States of Europe by gradual stages." He generally shares Melanie Phillips' views about the sovereignty Britain and other countries have already lost. He added, "Unfortunately the European Union has already gone beyond the common market concept."

Where does Europe go from here?

A Time magazine article reacting to the referendum results contained intriguing reflections on the European integration process. Perhaps the most important one is this: "People want to know where the journey ends. Trouble is, if anyone knows that destination, they aren't telling" (June 13).

In the wake of such a benchmark occurrence as the rejection of the new European constitution by voters in two countries, the print and broadcast media are replete with speculations of all types—expressing all shades of political opinion as to where Europe is headed. In the short term your guess may be as good as mine or any other journalist.

But in the long run we can be sure of where events will eventually take Europe. A correct understanding of biblical prophecy is the key.

Bible prophecy reveals the origins of the human race and its ethnic divisions (Genesis 1:26-27; Deuteronomy 32:7-8; Acts 17:24-26). Scripture also tells us how certain key nations—and blocs of nations—will typically behave in the future based on the way they have conducted themselves in the past. Prophetically speaking, the Bible even identifies specific modern nations and empires. (To learn more, request our free booklets You Can Understand Bible Prophecy and The United States and Britain in Bible Prophecy.)

Historically and prophetically, Scripture speaks of the great power of the Roman Empire and how it exceeded all previous empires in power and might. As foretold, it has even been able to "resurrect" itself several times after the original empire fell into complete disarray.

These various restorations to power and great influence are not finished. The Bible tells us that one more final resurrection of this empire will occur just before this age of human misrule passes into history and the pervasive and benevolent reign of Jesus Christ begins on earth following His return.

A coming "beast" power in Europe

Before Christ comes, the book of Revelation pictures what will eventually happen in Europe as "a beast rising out of the sea" (Revelation 13:1)—"sea" in Bible prophecy meaning a great number of people. The apostle John portrayed the power of Rome "as being mortally wounded, and his deadly wound was healed" (verse 3).

This final restoration of the Roman Empire will comprise 10 kings or heads of government who give their power and authority to this "beast" power "for one hour"—meaning a very short time in terms of biblical prophecy (Revelation 17:12-14). Notice that "God has put it into their hearts to fulfill His purpose" (verse 17).

It is at the critical time of these kings when God Himself "will set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed" (Daniel 2:34, 42-45). This crucial event occurs at the time of Christ's second coming when He will establish His rule over all nations for the 1,000-year Millennium and finally bring the world its long-sought-for peace and prosperity.

In the meantime

In the meantime, which way will the European Union go? We can only watch events unfold there and in the Middle East and see how they fit in with what is described in Bible prophecy.

Remember that a large number of all biblical prophecies will be fulfilled during the "days of vengeance" described by the Gospel writer Luke. Jesus Christ said: "For these are the days of vengeance, that all things which are written [in many Old Testament prophecies] may be fulfilled" (Luke 21:22). This particular period of time will bring a time of world troubles never before equaled in history nor ever again equaled in the future (see Matthew 24:21-22; Daniel 12:1-3; Jeremiah 30:7).

The Bible says these events will happen during the "end time" or the "latter days." During this time the earth will experience what the apostle Paul likens to the pangs of childbirth before the great happiness that follows (Romans 8:22-23). Afterward Europe will finally find a millennial rest from all its many troubles of the past. The true 1,000-year rule envisioned by past European tyrants will be presided over by Jesus Christ and His true saints—not by a ruthless human dictator.

Today the EU seeks to bring its brand of utopia to Europe even if it has to override the democratic will of its peoples. But the Bible shows that ultimately these efforts will prove futile. They will establish a new and short-lived superpower, but only the coming Kingdom of God will bring us the earthly paradise that the biblical prophets so confidently foretold. GN