[xk_id]

You seem to be making the same flawed assumption that the vast majority of british population does. The EU is not, and has never been, a project primarily driven by economic interests. It is a socio-political union, predicated on the fundamental principle of co-operation between different cultures, who regard each other as equals. But this will always be at odds with the unique superiority complex inherent in the culture of (mainly) white english people. This why UK never actually belonged in the EU and ended up causing endless friction; De Gaulle anticipated this and even blocked UK's membership several times. The reality is the EU was more relieved, than harmed by brexit.