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Considering our military spending is more than 50% that of the next European nation (Germany) I think the EU will certainly miss at least some of the things the
by leonroy 10y ago
Considering our military spending is more than 50% that of the next European nation (Germany) I think the EU will certainly miss at least some of the things the UK brought to the table.
The EU does have a lot on its plate but in addition to domestic problems it has an unstable Ukraine, Russia eyeing any opportunity to bag a warm water shoreline and on top of that Islamic extremism leading to increasing tension inside and outside Europe.
The UK was able to negotiate such advantageous terms with the EU not because of European largesse but because of the many benefits the UK brought to Europe.
I can't predict who will suffer more from this, the UK or EU but I very much doubt that the majority of Europeans are glad to see the back of us.
- oblio 10y agoI think that quite a few Europeans have this view about the UK: - if the UK wants mostly to stay on the sidelines and not put skin in the game, then: "Goodbye! Don't let the door hit you on your way out!" - if the UK is fully committed to the EU (which might very likely mean a federal state in the long term), then: "Welcome, you help and support are greatly appreciated!" Basically, Europeans want the UK to buy into the European idea, not just pragmatically adopt it for economic benefits. Of course Europeans aren't stupid, they want economic benefits as well, but this is mostly about a principle. Sort of how the US is about the "American Dream", so the EU wants to forge an "European Dream".