German Chancellor Angela Merkel tells of ‘great regret’ as she admits Brexit is a ‘blow to Europe… no way around it’
Key European leaders concede the union is in drastic need of reforms following Britain's decision to go it alone
EUROPEAN leaders yesterday admitted the EU needed to change to survive as they spoke of their Brexit shock.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel said Britain’s decision to go it alone had caused her “great regret”.
She added: “We take note of the British people’s decision with regret. There is no doubt that this is a blow to Europe and to the European unification process.
“There’s no way around it. Today is a watershed moment for Europe, for European unification.
“The remaining 27 countries must avoid drawing any hasty or easy conclusions from the referendum in Britain that would only divide Europe further.
“We need to do a calm and measured analysis of the situation.
“Until there’s an exit, Great Britain has all the rights and obligations of an EU member. Our goal should be a close and co-operative relationship in the future.”
French President Francois Hollande called the Brexit an “explosive shock” and said the EU had to reinvent itself to prevent a break-up.
He added: “The British people have decided to leave. It is a sad decision, but one I respect.
“The vote puts the European Union in difficulties. It must recognise its shortfalls. A jolt is necessary. Europe must reaffirm it values of freedom, solidarity, peace. The EU must be understood and controlled by its citizens. I will do everything to secure profound change rather than decline.”
Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi said it was necessary to “change the EU to make it more human and more just, but Europe is our home, our future.”
They spoke out after furious EU chiefs urged the UK to get out quickly.
Announcing his intention to quit as PM, David Cameron said Britain may not be in a position even to start negotiations on an exit until October.
But European Parliament chief Martin Schulz responded by saying EU lawyers were studying whether it was possible to accelerate the triggering of Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty — the procedure by which Britain leaves the EU — which has never been used before.
He said uncertainty was “the opposite of what we need”, adding it was difficult to accept Europe was being “taken hostage because of a Tory Party fight”.
He said: “I doubt it is only in the hands of the Government of the United Kingdom. We have to take note of this unilateral declaration that they want to wait until October, but that must not be the last word.”
And he warned there would be consequences for the UK as the EU sought to prevent other members taking the same “dangerous path”.
Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker and European Council chief Donald Tusk also urged Britain to act.
In a joint statement, they said: “We expect the United Kingdom to give effect to this decision of the British people as soon as possible, however painful that process may be. Any delay would unnecessarily prolong uncertainty.”
Asked if a Brexit was the “death blow” for Europe, Mr Juncker snapped “No” before leaving a stage.
In a letter, he reassured the Commission’s British staff he would do what he could to protect their jobs.
At his own press conference, Mr Tusk said Europe would survive, adding: “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.”
Liberal MEP and former Belgian PM Guy Verhofstadt also tore into Mr Cameron for delaying the start of exit talks. He said: “I find it unacceptable that he said that he is going to wait until October and hand it over to his successor.
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“That means concretely that it would be possible that in the whole of 2016 there is no British notification of the decision.”
The backlash threatens a huge dust-up when Mr Cameron attends an EU Council summit in Brussels from Tuesday.
Mrs Merkel yesterday revealed the fallout of Brexit would be discussed at a special meeting before the summit.
Officials last night pointed out that Britain is due to take over the rotating presidency of the EU in 12 months’ time — just when divorce proceedings could be in full swing. There is no law that allows a member state to relinquish the role.
Meanwhile, Italy’s former PM Enrico Letta revealed the depth of anger towards Boris Johnson, the odds-on favourite to succeed Mr Cameron as PM.
Mr Letta said: “Boris Johnson’s statement is a joke. They decided to leave.
“It is impossible to say now ‘Yes we decided to leave but we don’t want to invoke Article 50 of the treaty’.
“We have to apply this as soon as possible, we have to remove uncertainties.”
Dutch PM Mark Rutte dismissed calls for a referendum in the Netherlands, where people are demanding their own vote.
Danish Prime Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen also said his country had no plans to hold a referendum.
He said being part of the European Union was Denmark’s “best opportunity to influence the world”.
However, he stressed that any referendum in the EU “must be food for thought”, adding it showed a Euroscepticism “that we as decision makers must take very seriously”.
In Norway, which is not an EU member, Prime Minister Erna Solberg was confident the EU would “find solutions to this”.
Sweden’s PM Stefan Löfven said the bloc now faces great challenges on economy, migration, climate and security.
Meanwhile Pope Francis said Britain’s decision to leave “reflected the will of its people and it and the rest of the continent must now work to live together”.
German tabloid Bild posted on its website a picture of dejected Remain supporters with the headline: Britain Out.
It said: “The British referendum must lead to a reform of the European Union!”
Calais chief camp threat
THE Mayor of Calais yesterday demanded Britain sets up migrant camps on its side of the Channel.
Natacha Bouchart urged France to rip up the Le Touquet agreement which lets British officials check passports in the town.
French leaders immediately slapped down her demand.
But it will stoke fears about what could happen if Anglo-French relations deteriorate over the coming weeks.
Experts claim Le Touquet has been critical in keeping asylum seekers in Calais.
And David Cameron had warned an Out vote could see migrants flood into Britain “overnight” if France scrapped it.
Ms Bouchart also called for the return of “duty free arrangements” so Calais could cash in.
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