EUROPE - French President Emmanuel Macron has offered a jaw-dropping admission that the European Union dream is nearing its demise as Angela Merkel drags her feet over a series of reforms for the bloc. Mr Macron’s plans are seemingly at odds with EU boss Jean-Claude Juncker who admits there is no future in the “United States of Europe” vision being chased by the Frenchman. Before accepting his prize, Mr Macron wrote on Twitter: “The European dream is now gnawed by doubt. It’s up to us to decide whether we want to live it or let it die.” His comments will come as a blow to Ms Merkel, who heaped praise on her French counterpart during her own speech at a prize-giving ceremony in Aachen, Germany.