I was stationed in the FRG many moons ago. I remember marks. Got a LR shooting buddy in Bornhiem, have visited him a few times, he comes over here a lot because Germany lacks long range facilities to practice. I do believe that sometimes you have to lash everyone to the boat before some quit wanting to jump out at the first big wave.
It does appear nations are coming to terms with the need to hang together.
I hope you don't think anyone believes the Euro is THE glue in this, more like a symbol of the bond. Our colonies had the same issues trying to band together as states in a newly formed and highly experimental Union. If you compare the plantation south, mercantile north, and primitive frontier buffer states to Europe I'd opine the EU has a MUCH simpler task.
Perhaps it is the centuries of religious, territory, ego's and national pride that creates so much friction. Let's face it, ask any Frenchman his opinion of the rest of Europe- then give it a German accent...
Russia does have a very vested interest in Europe. It has been invaded repeatedly by 'them' throughout it's history. I'm sure they firmly believe no good comes from a strong Europe. That the OP jumped up so quickly to give advance cheers for an event that never happened but was high on Russia's wish list...
Just was odd...