UK Referendum: we are committed to the EU - exit negotiations must be swift

The British people have decided to leave the European Union. In light of this outcome, the European People’s Party (EPP) President, Joseph Daul, and the EPP Group in the European Parliament Chairman, Manfred Weber, made the following statement:

"We take note of the decision made by British voters. The EPP remains wholeheartedly committed to the European project and to the process of further integration with the remaining 27 Member States. At the same time, we will defend the rights of EU citizens living in the UK and firmly oppose any attempts to interfere with the freedom of movement", said EPP President Joseph Daul.

"We respect and regret the decision of the British voters. It causes major damage to both sides. But this was a British vote, not a European vote. People in the other states don't want to leave Europe. There are clear majorities in favour of the European project. Cooperation within Europe is a question of the ability for Europeans to determine their own way of life. It is our goal to effectively combat growing nationalism and populism”, said EPP Group Chairman Weber.

“Respecting the democratic decision of the British voters also means that the exit negotiations should be swiftly concluded, within the two-year deadline, as defined in the Lisbon Treaty.  From our point of view, there cannot be any special treatment for the United Kingdom. The British people have expressed their wish to leave the EU. Leave means leave. The times of cherry-picking are over”, said the EPP leaders.

“Over the past 70 years, the European Union has safeguarded European freedom, peace and prosperity, and it will continue to do so. We must renew people’s enthusiasm towards the European project by delivering more tangible benefits to all our citizens. Together we will build a truly integrated single market which creates job opportunities. We will also better protect EU citizens by cooperating in the field of security. As President Juncker said during his campaign, the EU must be big on big things and small on small things in the future”, said President Daul.

“Europe needs a time of reflection. We want a better and smarter Europe. We have to convince the people and find answers to the big challenges of our times such as security and migration. A strong Europe is a life insurance for all its Member States”, concluded the Chairman.