Brexit - statement from prominent EU figures

Joint statement by Martin Schulz, President of the European Parliament, Donald Tusk, President of the European Council, Mark Rutte, Prime Minister of the Netherlands holding the rotating Presidency of the EU Council, and Jean-Claude Juncker, President of the European Commission, regarding the referendum results in the United Kingdom

President Schulz, President Donald Tusk, and Prime Minister Rutte met in Brussels at the invitation of European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker. The meeting addressed the results of the referendum in the United Kingdom. Following the meeting, the following joint statement was issued:

„In a free and democratic process, the British have expressed their will to leave the European Union. We regret this decision, but respect it.

Union of 27 states will continue to exist

This is an unprecedented situation, yet we are unanimous on one point: we will stand guard over the core values of the European Union, promoting peace and prosperity for its peoples. The Union of 27 member states will continue to exist. The Union constitutes the framework of our shared political future. History, geography, and common interests bind us, and on this foundation we will further develop our cooperation. Together, we will confront challenges to stimulate economic growth, build prosperity, and ensure security for our citizens. The EU institutions will be fully engaged in achieving these goals.

Call for prompt activation of Article 50

We now expect the United Kingdom government to swiftly implement the decision of the British people, regardless of how painful this process may be. Any delays could increase uncertainty. We have the legal framework to carry out this process in an orderly manner. Article 50 of the Treaty
on the European Union outlines the procedure to be followed when a member state decides to leave the European Union. We are ready to immediately begin negotiations with the United Kingdom on the terms of its withdrawal from the European Union. Until the conclusion of negotiations, the United Kingdom remains a member of the European Union, retaining all rights and obligations stemming from its membership. In accordance with treaties ratified by the United Kingdom, EU law will continue to apply fully to the United Kingdom and its territory until the cessation of its membership.

New agreement for the United Kingdom

In accordance with the established terms, “New Agreement for the United Kingdom within the European Union”, concluded during the European Council summit on 18-19 February 2016, will not enter into force and becomes obsolete. It will not be renegotiated.

As regards the United Kingdom, we hope it will remain a close partner of the European Union in the future. We expect the United Kingdom to prepare its proposals in this respect. Any agreement reached with the United Kingdom as a third country must reflect the interests of both sides and be balanced in terms of rights and obligations.”

Summary

President of the European Parliament Martin Schulz, President of the European Council Donald Tusk, Prime Minister of the Netherlands Mark Rutte, and President of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker met in Brussels after the UK referendum and issued a joint statement. The leaders regret the decision to leave the UK, but respect it, emphasizing that the Union of 27 member states will continue to exist.

The statement called on the UK government to promptly activate the procedure under Article 50 of the Treaty on the European Union, warning that delays increase uncertainty. Until negotiations conclude, the UK remains a full member of the EU with all rights and obligations, and the “New Agreement for the United Kingdom” reached in February 2016 becomes obsolete and will not be renegotiated.