Originally Posted by
777JRM
The point being, that 1/28 is little influence, and as the EU continues on it’s further integration plans, this factor will diminish.
It is amazing how other countries succeed outside the EU (Norway and Switzerland come first and second in the Legatum Prosperity Index), we should stop selling ourselves short, consider the opportunities, and try it.
Apologies for thread creep, back to the aviation.....
The UK does not stand alone in the EU. She has her allies, and has traditionally been able to form a lot of how the EU works to her satisfaction. The Netherlands and Denmark, among others, are not only sad to see the UK leave because of the loss of business, but also because they will lose a key alliance partner.
Further integration will not diminish the influence of the EU parliament, quite the contrary. And before you say 'Germany rules anyway', do make notice of the recent decision on Nord Stream II, which says any future negotiations shall be between Russia and the EU, rather between Russian and individual EU nations. This was decided much to the consternation of Germany but, vitally, it removes a strategic advantage from Russia, as they are no longer able to manipulate individual nations by playing them against the other. Nor can they threaten to cut off the supply to a single nation (expensive but affordable if there's strategic value to it), as such an act would mean they'll have to cut off all of Europe (equal to signing their own economic death warrant).
As for the success of Norway and Switzerland; one is a nation of 4,5 million people sitting on the largest gas reserves in Europe. The other has centuries of tradition for neutrality and a safe place for rich people to park their money. Do try buying a beer and burger in Norway, or booking a hotel room in Geneva, then get back to us.