The first step is stick with a confederal view of Europe. Federal visions of Europe are stupid, dangerous, and impossible. Europe is not like the United States

The first step is stick with a confederal view of Europe. Federal visions of Europe are stupid, dangerous, and impossible. Europe is not like the United States nor could it be, and such comparisons are foolish and ignorant. Once we've agreed to hold to a confederal Europe, operate like a confederal Europe, and acknowledge the subsequent confederal nature and expectations of the EU, you should expect a drop in a good chunk of the so-called populism. The main reasons why a confederal Europe is a better solution is because first, there is considerable difference of interests and geopolitical difference across the EU that are incompatible. Inevitably, a federal EU will become a cudgel used to force weaker states into submission. Second, Europeans don't see themselves as "European" because it is not a meaningful or even substantive notion here and the last few crises should have made that clear to any remaining obstinate holdouts. Even being "American" has more substance, which is saying something. Third, the values and culture across Europe are quite different and ultimately, the EU will behave increasingly tyrannically toward member states that step out of line with the values of the European elites which will circle us back to populism and possible war of a very disastrous kind. It should be clear that I am not advocating the dissolution of the EU, though there is a very real possibility it will disintegrate all on its own with no need to appeal to external scapegoats. I believe that if any EU is possible, it is one of limited integration on a limited set of fronts where cooperation profits the common good of the Union, specifically economically and where joint scientific ventures (like space) might profit from formalized confederal joint cooperation.