good timing! you brits are aware that eu is crumbling already, right?
The EU will survive because its purpose is ultimately, to prevent war.
Europe can be thought of as an unruly class. There are all the usual characters, Dutch, Danish, Swede, Italian and so on. And there are four characters.
England. The smartest who comes up with many of the really great ideas. But England is lazy and rests on its laurels. It isn't a team player which irks everyone else. Needless to say, it isn't the most popular kid in class.
France. She is the girl who's grown up a bit quicker than most. Hence she is very popular among the boys and girls. She rarely needs to pay for anything, always has a date. But she isn't very bright and can't quite figure out why being pretty isn't good enough.
Germany. This chap starts his day by laying out his collection of pencils in a percise order. All straight. The tops, an exact distance from the edge of the desk. He gets very impatient with anyone who alters his arrangements. Needless to say, he doesn't do a lot of work simply because he doesn't have any space left on his desk.
Russia. He's the biggest guy in class. He's lumbering and not very bright. He rarely notices when England makes a smart mouthed remark. But when he does, he gets really angry.
Then there's America. The kid who's parents moved to another part of town. But he comes back when he can because he doesn't have any friends in his new place and isn't likely to win any any time soon.
Eventually though, children do grow up.
