EU: Historic, not hysterical

MANILA, Philippines - The United Kingdom’s vote to leave the European Union was a “historic moment” but “not a moment for hysterical reactions,” European Council President Donald Tusk said yesterday.

“I am fully aware of how serious, or even dramatic, this moment is politically,” he said. “And there’s no way of predicting all the political consequences of this event, especially for the UK. But for sure this is not a moment for hysterical reactions.” 

Tusk added: “I want to reassure everyone that we are prepared also for this negative scenario. As you know the EU is not only a fair-weather project.” 

Tusk said over the past two days, he has spoken to all the EU leaders, prime ministers and presidents, as well as heads of the EU institutions, about the possibility of a Brexit. 

“Today, on behalf of the 27 leaders I can say that we are determined to keep our unity as twenty-seven,” he said.

“For all of us, the Union is the framework for our common future.”

There will be no legal vacuum, he added.

Until the UK formally leaves, EU law will continue to apply to and within the UK, which are rights and obligations.

All the procedures for the withdrawal of the UK from the EU are clear and set out in the treaties.

Tusk offered the leaders an informal meeting of the 27 member-states in the margins of the European Council summit to discuss the details of further proceedings.

He will also propose to the leaders that they start a wider reflection on the future of the EU, he added.