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http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-11762500

First read it in todays Scum, so didn't think much of it. But when Auntie starts reporting, it's best to listen I find.

Possibly slightly masochistic, I'd be interested to see the collapse of Europe as a would be nation state.... I know Britain would likely take a kick in the nuts from it which we could ill afford, but certainly interesting nonetheless.

Too many differences between the economies of all the countries. If Europe was to work like the USA does, it would literally have to drop all borders, start speaking the same language and most importantly, spread the wealth. None of these are going to happen anytime soon, but I suspect it will continue to limp on. In the meantime the likes of the UK, Denmark and Norway go "How's that single currency thing working out for you Germany? Another bailout you say? (snigger) Oh dear..."

Meh. I've found the virtual media black out on the pros and cons of the Euro most annoying.

Thing is of course, if Europe does die a death, what the hell happens to the UK? We can't exactly sit on our own anymore.

Mr Mystery wrote:First read it in todays Scum, so didn't think much of it. But when Auntie starts reporting, it's best to listen I find.

Auntie?

The BBC. AKA Auntie.

Why, I don't know. It just is.

Mr Mystery wrote:Thing is of course, if Europe does die a death, what the hell happens to the UK? We can't exactly sit on our own anymore.

Why not? It's more or less what we're doing now. Anyway, the unified Europe concept might go up in smoke, but don't imagine that the German and French economies will go with them. There'll still be folks to trade with and failing that, there's always China and India. How's your Mandarin?

Flashman wrote:

Mr Mystery wrote:Thing is of course, if Europe does die a death, what the hell happens to the UK? We can't exactly sit on our own anymore.

Why not? It's more or less what we're doing now. Anyway, the unified Europe concept might go up in smoke, but don't imagine that the German and French economies will go with them. There'll still be folks to trade with and failing that, there's always China and India. How's your Mandarin?

Seriously, how would you notice? UK, France, and Germany would be fine. The strong survive, the weak go on strike...

In the fruit bowl?

Lol, very good

France and Germany apparently depend quite heavily upon EU Subsidies, particularly their Farmers.

Take those away, and who knows? Not me, I'm not an economist. I'm just a tosspot on the interwebs.

Mr Mystery wrote:France and Germany apparently depend quite heavily upon EU Subsidies, particularly their Farmers.

So does the UK. The vast majority of farms in the UK depend on the EU single farm payment to stay in business.

Saying that I'm not sure if it could be raplaced by the recouped money the UK pumps into the scheme. But the people saying we'll all be alright if the EU goes under are having a laugh. The economy would lose billions.

Interesting.

Wonder what a non-existent Europe would mean for the wider world? I mean, if we go bankrupt, that's a lot of bad debt the world over.

Anyone actually know what the hell they are on about btw? Not calling anyone out, just hoping their are wiser heads than I on this thread!

Mr Mystery wrote:France and Germany apparently depend quite heavily upon EU Subsidies, particularly their Farmers.

Take those away, and who knows? Not me, I'm not an economist. I'm just a tosspot on the interwebs.

Take away farm subsidies and you have a fairly small number of much poorer big agribusinesses. The majority of farm subsidies go to the largest farmers.

In any case, the agricultural sector is fairly small in western Europe. The loss of subsidies to farmers would be more than compensated for by more money available to invest in industry, and cheap food from Africa, etc.

Kilkrazy wrote:The majority of farm subsidies go to the largest farmers.

Well yeah, your payment is ratiod to the size of the business. So no wonder.

This is all part of Leichtenstein's nefarious schemes. They realize that there is still strength in the race of men, perhaps strength enough to challenge them.

Alternatively, Greece needs to invade Portugal. Italy can attempt the hat trick of invading Spain, then Ireland, then a pincer move into Portugal as well. Luckily for Portugal, Brazil, inventor of the "Brazilian bikini wax" has some spare wax and will come to save the day. Meanwhile, back at the Hall of Justice, Aquaman will make sandwiches for the other Justice League members. It will be probably be tuna, that heartless .

Or we'll come and run your country for you.

Ireland seems pretty boned. Down to the stupidity of the electorate and political class, really. Sorry that it's going to damage and inconvenience other countries, it makes me embarassed to be irish.