COLUMNS

Europe Without the Union

Mar 1, 2016 | 09:00 GMT

It is not yet possible to say exactly how the European Union will fail. It is possible, however, to foresee what blocs of countries with more closely aligned interests will emerge across the Continent when it does.

Europe's crises are bringing it ever closer to the brink of dissolution. While it is not yet possible to say exactly how the European Union will fail, it is possible to foresee what will emerge when it does. New blocs will form, with the center of gravity remaining a core bloc comprising France, Germany and the Benelux countries. To the north, a highly integrated Scandinavian bloc will form, while to the east, countries will coalesce around different shared interests, with some prioritizing trade and others seeking security.

(Carsten Koall/Getty Images)

Europe's crises are bringing it ever closer to the brink of dissolution. While it is not yet possible to say exactly how the European Union will fail, it is possible to foresee what will emerge when it does. New blocs will form, with the center of gravity remaining a core bloc comprising France, Germany and the Benelux countries. To the north, a highly integrated Scandinavian bloc will form, while to the east, countries will coalesce around different shared interests, with some prioritizing trade and others seeking security....

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