Mr Zielonka thinks that the Westphalian model is out of date and impractical.

ECONOMIST: The future of Europe

The North Rhine-Westphalian election could also have big implications for the ruling coalition, both at national and at state level.

ECONOMIST: Germany

EU's most Westphalian features are also its most vital ones: the commissioners who try to keep the internal market operating freely, and who try to unscramble cartels and allow cross-border mergers.

ECONOMIST: The future of Europe