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Europe is a conglomerate of so many different countries, all with their own agenda and all looking in different directions. Nowhere else is the great divide illustrated better than the relationship between Britain and the Franco-German alliance.
Huge suspicions exist between these three great nations. Britain is proud of its past. Deep down it sees itself as the Savior of Europe. It has a great military history and headed the largest Empire ever seen. Throughout the past 500 years it has done battle, usually successfully, with France, which was envious of its worldwide influence. The last century saw Britain at the forefront of the defeat of two German attempts to take over Europe militarily. France's efforts to hold back Germany were laughable.

Fast forward to the last quarter of the 20th Century and the start of the 21st. Germany and France will shake their heads and ask, 'What's that got to do with Europe today? You've always talking about the War.' Well, thankfully, Europe is a much more stable place these days and there is an element of truth in whet they are saying. But in Britain,we feel these two powers are trying to take things too far. They want to create a federal Europe - along similar lines to the United States of America. But Britain is not keen on being rushed into a US of Europe. For a start, we fell we have stronger ties with America than with our European cousins.
The whole culture of nations across mainland Europe is so alien to us Brits. What we see as logical is often seen as a non-starter across the English Channel. We are resented and ridiculed by other Europeans. The Germans and French come up with plans to force Britain to pay more and more. Britain supports integration of poorer European nations - so do the other more powerful states on the condition Britain pays more.
Europe is keen to bind its member states even closer. It wants a common foreign policy, common monetary policy and even a common Army. But can you honestly imagine a French policeman patrolling a quiet English village? Or a grocer selling a kilo of apple for 2 euros? Or a British Royal Marine taking on the Taliban alongside an Italian coming under fire?
The rest of Europe comes up with 'great' ideas, such as making Britons drive on the right - when Britain says, we'll look at it if you pay, Europe suddenly loses its resolve.
Once new European laws are introduced, guess which country has the best record of enforcing them? Britain of course. In this country a law means this is what you can or can't do. On the Continent it means, here you are, have a go at this. If you don't quite achieve it, don't worry.
It seems to be one long continual fight. In Britain we generally view it as a them and us situation and I know they don't think too highly of us either. While the European Union has led to poorer countries like Spain getting handouts to pay for roads, reservoirs and other infrastructure, it has done little to unite the Continent. Rather, it has shown up the huge differences that exist between us - and particularly those over the other side of the Channel.

Learn more about this author, Phil Hill.
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