British officials privately concede that they are worried about retaining their influence from outside the euro-zone.

ECONOMIST: European financial regulation

This calls for a Turkish zone of political, economic and cultural influence, primarily among neighbours (many of them former Ottoman dominions) in the Balkans, the south Caucasus and the Middle East.

ECONOMIST: Turkish foreign policy

These countries have a strong interest in ensuring that, as the euro zone becomes more integrated, they do not lose their influence in debate or their part in decisions.

ECONOMIST: The euro crisis

The IOC is delaying negotiations on a new TV deal until after the vote, to avoid suggestions of influence by American network NBC, who prefer Chicago or, failing that, Rio because of its time zone.

BBC: Olympic 2016 hopefuls submit bids

The fear is that a Europe of 25 will turn into little more than an economic zone, less glued together politically, and in which France will struggle to retain its traditional influence as Germany looks east.

ECONOMIST: France and Europe