The European Union learned lessons from Brexit, but it's unclear whether they're the right ones.

Trade deals are always a controversial topic. From an economic perspective there is little doubt that free trade benefits growth and development. When it comes to personal implications, the story is a different one. Giving other countries access to a domestic market means competition for the local producers and may lead to a shift in many industries. That's why the European - US trade deal (TTIP) is a delicate matter. Before that however, the European Union hoped to close their deal with Canada. This may be a bit more difficult than expected after Brexit (see this Economist Article).

The European Commission decided that the Euro-Canadien Trade Deal would need to be separately ratified by all member parliaments. It looks like the EU leaders listened to the many within their group asking for more voice in decision making.

But instead of keeping the technocratic approach that led to the EU in its current state and decide on single agenda items with or without participation of the member states' parliaments, the debate should be much more geared towards a shared vision of the future EU. Without a renewal of commitment to the EU and a clear path forward, the EU Commission and Parliament (as well as the other EU institutions) won't have the mandate they need to do their job.

So instead of local voting on Euro trade deals, what the club seems to need more than ever is leadership with a clear vision and a broad support base. And most importantly, there has to be better ways to include the views of minorities than just a yes/no vote.