Brexit could end up strengthening the EU

EVENTS since the "Brexit" vote suggest that rather than leading to the disintegration of the European Union, the United Kingdom's referendum result may actually bolster European cohesion.

There are three reasons why. First, Britain is likely to suffer economically from its vote, sending a message to electorates in other countries about the economic value of the EU. Second, Europe's leaders will drive a hard bargain with London, which will disprove claims that the UK or any other country leaving the Union is likely to succeed in negotiating a better deal with EU partners. Third, perhaps most importantly, the EU remains an indispensable arena for solving European problems.

After the Brexit vote, the European Union - the group of 28 countries that collaborate on issues such as trade, justice, and education - was widely seen as a loser. The Brexit referendum marked the first time a country had voted to leave the European Union. British voters have long been divided over the EU, but they are not the continent's only Eurosceptics.