There’s a persistent belief in the EU that the bloc does its best work when countries are trying to join or trade with it, not necessarily after they’re in. During the long process of accession, the theory goes, applicant governments reduce their public debt, expose the dusty corners of their economies to the cleansing blast of single market competition and import the labour and environmental standards and rule of law for which Europe considers itself famous. More distant countries ineligible for membership can get a dose of market access and European values by signing a preferential trade agreement.