Europe’s major players are seeking to secure the unity of the EU following the UK’s decision to leave the bloc.
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Europe’s major players are seeking to secure the unity of the EU following the UK’s decision to leave the bloc.
François Hollande welcomed European Council President Donald Tusk for talks in Paris. The French president has called for the UK to incur costs for leaving the Union.
They will join Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi in Berlin later today (June 27) on the invitation of German Chancellor Angela Merkel.
Speaking from the Italian parliament, Renzi was optimistic about the choice to Brexit.
“What has happened in the United Kingdom could be the greatest opportunity for Europe, if we stop playing defensively and try to give our continent the possibility of a new start.”
Merkel said Brexit signalled a break in development for the bloc, but also announced the UK would maintain close economic and security links with the Union.
Speaking on Monday (June 27) she acknowledged she understands the UK needs time to work out the next step.
However, the German government has said there will be no informal talks between the UK and the EU before the nation officially announces its intention to leave.
This seems to put a stop to Leave campaigner Michael Gove’s assurances of discussions to negotiate the “best terms for Britain.”