I pretty much agree with post #6, above.
Two weeks ago I would have agreed too blam, but I think things have really changed. The sinking of the German economy, the 10% unemployment figures, have just about put paid to Germany being the economic engine of the EU. Why do you think those other 18 members had the cajones to stand up against them?
No, there's been a sea change and I think the EU that Germany and France had in mind is dying and a whole new being is formed in the meeting rooms of the other countries.