Brexit is just the tip of the iceberg of problems that Donald Tusk has to face. His term of office lasts until November 2019. In fact, that might well be the last time Tusk, or any other ambitious EU politician for that matter, may serve as president of any EU institution. Whether it's Brexit, the refugee crisis, the failing Euro, and upcoming elections in key EU countries, the whole project is unlikely to survive into the new decade.

Safe pair of hands

Tusk's EU counterparts elected him because he is a 'safe pair of hands.' That may be true to them, as demonstrated by an overwhelming majority of European leaders endorsing him, but even the most competent politician cannot solve the EU question without either dismantling the project in its entirety and re-establishing the original Common Market, or by proceeding towards a federal Europe.

Unrealistic ambitions

Anyone who has studied history knows how unrealistic the latter ambition is. The last time Europe was ruled by the Roman Empire, that civilisation was destroyed by the entrance of tribes like the Gauls and the Visigoths. The same could be said of the EU with its inability to cope with extortionate numbers of refugees. The single currency is destroying itself. And Europe's politicians believe integration is the only answer.

In an age of fake news, what the media failed to report is that Tusk now has to answer this single question: 'How can I solve the European question?' It is likely he won't. He should take a leaf from the Romans. European unity doesn't work.