Power struggle in the EU...

[Spinflight]

Seems Merkel is just about holding the EU hierarchy in line, but only just... Longish article but gives a good idea of how things actually work..

www.spiegel.de/international/europe/brexit-triggers-eu-power-struggle-between-merkel-and-juncker-a-1100852.html

"On Sunday, Merkel meets with a handful of confidants, including Chancellery Chief of Staff Peter Altmaier. The group examines a variety of different eventualities, including a second British referendum and snap UK elections. Merkel and Altmaier want to do all they can to prevent Britain from leaving, with Merkel saying that the EU should avoid exerting too much pressure. "Policymakers in London should have the possibility to reconsider the effects of leaving," Altmaier says in an interview.
"

"It has become apparent in Brussels too just how vigorously the battle is being fought between those who envision a more powerful EU and those in favor of a nation state-led Europe. The front leads through all countries and all parties. "

Too little, too late. If they wanted to "prevent Britain from leaving" they've already had long enough IMO. I also really disagree with the suggestion that anyone should "reconsider the effects of leaving". We weren't under any illusions, and knew there could be cons as well as pros of leaving the EU. In fact these were exaggerated by some on the remain side. And yet many of us still feel Brexit will be better in the long term and for future generations.

Yeah, the arrogance is amazing though.

Eventualities...

Interesting word.

There isn't much suggestion that these eventualities were likely ( or even possible) so how were they going to ensure that these eventualities might happen?

I suspect Merkel has been on the phone to one Tony Blair.

It stinks.

Merkel is perfectly right to want Brutsin to stay.
It's better for Germany, for the Eu and for us.
She's planning ahead, it's something our politicians ought to try one day.

I agree with chardonnay

I agree with Chardonnay too.

Juncker has to go.

That would be a start.

Merkel knows the value of keeping the UK in Europe, we are the third largest contributor (I think) money Germany will have to find if we are out.

VW sales in the US dumped 22% last month for an 8th straight monthly decline.

Germany are not going to cut their nose off to spite their face.

Interesting thank you, led to this article.

m.spiegel.de/international/europe/a-1099608.html

Germany really do see themselves as the gold standard everyone should conform to don't they?

Very interesting article, thanks. It’s a pity we didn’t have the statesmen/women to fight this battle from the inside. Hopefully the writing’s on the wall for Juncker.

Not just for Junker, for Greece too...

"Those who are uninterested in reform, those who slide from one emergency aid package to the next, should no longer be stopped if they think they would be better off with their own currency. That is a bitter conclusion, but unity for the sake of unity has lost its value."

I mentioned in another thread that our gilts had cheapened and the eurozones had zoomed... Looks as though they've realised they just can't afford it all anymore.

I thought we were the second largest contributor.

Too little, far far too late.

Perhaps if Dave had come back with some actual substance prior to the referendum then the vote would have gone differently.

But he didn't.

I was Leave anyway, but that moment for me proved that nothing would ever change if we stayed in.