EU leaders discuss the implications of “Brexit”

The 27 heads of state or government met informally on Wednesday to discuss the political and practical implications of ‘Brexit’. “Certainly one issue is clear from our debate. Leaders are absolutely determined to remain united and work closely together as 27,” said President Tusk at the press conference after the meeting. Leaders also started a debate on the future of the European Union.

The 27 heads of state or government will meet again on 16 September 2016 in Bratislava to continue talks. They reconfirmed that Britain’s withdrawal from the European Union must be orderly. “There will be no negotiations of any kind until the UK formally notifies its intention to withdraw,” reassured President Tusk. He also expressed hope to have the UK as a close partner in the future.

In their joint statement following the meeting, the 27 leaders announced: “We, the Heads of State or Government of 27 Member States, as well as the Presidents of the European Council and the European Commission, deeply regret the outcome of the referendum in the UK but we respect the will expressed by a majority of the British people. Until the UK leaves the EU, EU law continues to apply to and within the UK, both when it comes to rights and obligations.”

SOURCE: European Council
PHOTO: The European Union