Actually, the EU really wants the UK to stay. The reasons are obvious: a Brexit confirms the project's failure and it will only add strength to the arguments against held by other Euro-sceptic parties in the EU member states. There is little doubt that the EU will be much weaker without the UK. Just imagine if Germany or France were to leave!
The ideas of the EU before 1995 when it was the EEC (European Economic Community) were admirable enough. I'm all for greater economic co-operation and easier trade; I don't favour economic integration. However, from the late 1980s, when the agenda increasingly switched to political and monetary union, the ‘idea’ has become more bloated and tiresome. Europe is not, and has never been, a political or monetary union. It has a very poor track record in solving its own wars and economic problems. The American had to bail Europe out three times alone in the last century. The Euro is a disaster and something into which the UK should never enter. How can the PIIGS operate in the same currency as Germany and The Netherlands when there are such divergent practices and interests? Europe cannot even co-ordinate EUROPOL – never mind the idea of a unified Europe in political terms. Moreover, a rapid expansion from 12 countries to 28 in the space of approximately 20 years has just created a greater, bloated bureaucracy with less – not more – accountability and freedom. If you want democracy, don't go against EU directives (See Ireland with The Treaty of Rome as an example).
If the EU is so great, why do the richer countries like Norway and Switzerland want nothing to do with membership? They certainly thrive on their own without the EU. Do you mean to tell me that the UK could not survive on its own when it is in a position to negotiate its own trade deals with countries who have better economies? Has someone told Australia they need such a bloc to avoid recession and become stronger? David Ricardo would be spinning in his grave if only he knew the musings.
If the UK decides to stay, then further political and economic integration will be applied regardless. Refusal of the Euro will not be tolerated long-term.
