> I really disagree with that. A dysfunctional EU is worse than for the EU than countries leaving. I agree that a dysfunctional EU is something they want to av

> I really disagree with that. A dysfunctional EU is worse than for the EU than countries leaving. I agree that a dysfunctional EU is something they want to avoid, but I think that's exactly why they want to prevent other Countries from leaving. A dysfunctional EU is one without lots of member states (therefore lots of power + economy). Given that member states currently have so very little individual veto control, you need to have a majority of states (or elected persons) acting in bad faith for them really to become a problem. > The EU could do far more to "punish" the UK. Maybe, but possibly not without spooking other member states. I think the UK's only saving grace is that everybody is watching very closely. > So far they've been quite accommodating, like agreeing to keep the entire UK in the customs union for the backstop rather than splitting NI and GB. If you look at the deal offered it's effectively membership without the power to vote, that sounds great from the EU's perspective, two birds with one stone.