Originally Posted by Paul Markham

This is what the Germans believe. They will rule Europe with the French tagging along for the ride. During all the negotiations for the original re-negotiations of the deal, then the subsequent Brexit vote Merkel was the #1 spokesperson for the EU with the French at #2. Rarely discussing with other EU leaders for their views those two led the debate.

Without the UK votes the balance of power shifts even more towards States who don't contribute and take out more than they put in. The contributing States will have to contribute more to appease non-contributing States. The EU is playing a risky game with losing the UK, an even riskier game if the UK market for EU goods declines.