EUROPE - The European Union's demise "cannot be ruled out", German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier warned as the EU faces growing threats. Germany, led by Chancellor Angela Merkel, has become the EU's major player with its dominant economy and significant influence within the bloc. However, even senior politicians in Berlin could be beginning to acknowledge that the bloc's future is by no means guaranteed. This was highlighted by German philosopher Ulrike Guerot, an advocate for a 'European Republic' who has been critical of Brussels in recent years. She said: "Europe isn't in a good state, a lot of people are saying that. Nationalist, authoritarian, xenophobic and even racist tones are unmistakable. Some actors seem to have a strange desire to see Europe self-destruct. And that is not merely polemical talk on their part – there is a very real risk that relations between European countries will be poisoned." Mr Steinmeier appeared to be hitting out eurosceptics within the EU.