The whole point of the European edifice which began with the Coal and Steel Community in 1952 was the binding together of France Germany and other nations sick of war and the prospect of war, writes Justin Webb.

What they fear now is a disintegration which leads to new tensions - political as well as economic - at the heart of Europe.

Here in France we've set out this morning to get a sense of what this nation wants to do next. Which of the unpalatable choices the French might favour.

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