David Cameron says he achieved all his main negotiating aims at what became known as the EU Brexit summit in Brussels on Thursday and Friday.
ADVERTISEMENTDavid Cameron says he achieved all his main negotiating aims at what became known as the EU Brexit summit in Brussels on Thursday and Friday.
Cameron wanted renegotiation on four key issues: welfare payments, economic governance, sovereignty and competitiveness.
24 hours of #EUCO and no end in sight – follow the latest on our #livebloghttps://t.co/ojGOlzuhQ6pic.twitter.com/svJR9KkpOp
— Cynthia Kroet (@cynthiakroet) February 19, 2016
“It is a legally binding and irreversible decision by all 28 leaders. The settlement addresses all of Prime Minister Cameron’s concerns without compromising our fundamental values,” EU Council President Donald Tusk told reporters after the talks ended.
Cameron faced particularly stiff opposition from a number of central and eastern european leaders as well France and Belgium.
A deal was eventually agreed late on Friday evening.
In tweets
So Cameron says, “But this doesn't change anything”, and I'm, like, “Why don't you call it “a special status?” pic.twitter.com/EiSHDPOS4Y
— Daniel Hannan (@DanHannanMEP) February 20, 2016
Video: Meeting of #Visegrad Group #V4 leaders before European Council #EUCO in Brussels https://t.co/xa3fpyjWaB
— Poland in the EU (@PLPermRepEU) February 18, 2016
Denied 'English breakfast', Merkel nips out for chips in #Brusselshttps://t.co/1CXknO28TCpic.twitter.com/ipao6c3uxI
— The Straits Times (@STcom) February 19, 2016
The referendum will be about the future of the UK, not the EU. #brexit#euref#eucopic.twitter.com/a01BiGpVu9
— We're stronger in! (@EUreferendumUK) February 12, 2016
There is no second chance. A deal with the UK is final. I hope that we will reach an agreement today #EUCOpic.twitter.com/44ewVC6G9l
— Charles Michel (@CharlesMichel) February 19, 2016
What they are saying
The EU institutions:
“So now the deal is done and it is up to the British people to decide.” – European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker.
“It is a legally-binding and irreversible decision by all 28 members. The settlement addresses all of Prime Minister David Cameron’s concerns without compromising our fundamental values.”_ – European Council President Donald Tusk.
“No government can go to a parliament and ask for a guarantee about the result.” -European Parliament President Martin Schulz reminds stakeholders that the assembly still has to vote on the final deal agreed with Brussels.
National leaders:
“I believe we are stronger, safer and better off inside a reformed European Union.” – UK Prime Minister David Cameron.
“We believe that, with this, we have given David Cameron a package with which he can campaign for Britain to stay in the European Union.” – German Chancellor Angela Merkel.
“We overcame our differences to reach a good agreement. Now it is up to the British people to decide. Good luck, David Cameron.” – Charles Michel, Prime Minister of Belgium.
“Whatever face-saving and face-lifting exercise we do @EUCO, the decision belongs to the British people.” – Dalia Grybauskaitė, President of the Republic of Lithuania.