Hate to break it to you Raoul, but I never hear the EU brought up as an important topic of conversation other than here. Most americans do not feel threatened by the EU. We aren't loosing a lot of jobs to the EU because it's not all that great a competitive economic power. It's growth rates have been lagging the US for years despite steps toward unification. We're worried about China and India with faster growth rates than us and bigger populations. The French are free to go their selfish way as usual with not a damn given by most Americans. Personally I thought French interest was mainly to enhance their own status and amplify their influence. Doesn't surprise me that a drop in those prospects would chill their interest.

Regards,
Mark