Originally posted by Wien_Sean: The EU has been coming together since the early 1950's. It will last, haven't you seen what has happened in French-German relations in the past 2 years?
They can just as easily piss each other off. Look at the German-Italian relations of the past couple of years. Not exactly a harmony.
Quote: The EU has an great amount of economic power and that means they have a great amount of "soft" power.
The only true economic powers are Germany, France, and Italy. And as far their economies go, well, put it this way, our recession was cake compared to what is going on there. Italy has high debt and a flat, nearly contracting economy, Germany has highest paid workers in the world that work 32hrs a week w/ full benefits. Even their efficiency isn't going to make up for the extreme high cost of labor, similar case going on in France.
Quote: They would inept to let the union fall apart.
You're a smart guy, don't be gullible.
I will say this again though, do not, ever, underestimate the Russians...
