Europe buries its head in an ashtray

MATTHEW LYNN

The populations of its countries are in decline and the economy weak. Its institutions are in crisis...

The populations of its countries are in decline and the economy weak. Its institutions are in crisis and the constitution has been torpedoed by voters. And nuclear weapons are proliferating on its borders. Still, no one can say Europe isn't tackling at least one issue. Smoking now looks like it will be completely banned. The UK recently joined the growing list of nations to turn smoking from a legal, if unhealthy, habit into an activity so furtive it will be almost impossible for tobacco addicts to keep puffing. Britain now joins countries such as Norway, Ireland, Italy and Sweden. Germa...