Regardless of which of the scenarios presented here ends up closest to reality, these values and aspirations will continue to bind Europeans and are worth fighting for.

The EU is a unique project in which domestic priorities have been combined and sovereignty voluntarily pooled to better serve national and collective interests. It has not always been an easy journey, it has never been perfect, but it has shown its capacity to reform itself and has proven its value over time.

Following the motto of “unity in diversity”, the EU and its Member States have been able to draw on the unique strengths and richness of their nations to achieve unprecedented progress.

In an uncertain world, the allure of isolation may be tempting to some, but the consequences of division and fragmentation would be far-reaching.

It would expose European countries and citizens to the spectre of their divided past and make them prey to the interests of stronger powers.