UK referendum: declaration

The British electorate has voted Brexit.

The results are not yet final but everything does at any rate appear to be pointing in that direction.

I’d like to make some comments in this context.

The first point, of course: we’ll take note of the results and the choice the UK voters have made.

I must emphasise that we have to show respect when voters take a decision by universal suffrage in the framework of a referendum. That’s the first point.

It’s not the choice that we wanted, it’s not the choice that we hoped for.

Yesterday in Parliament, I had an opportunity to make a very official statement on behalf of the Government but nonetheless, if the choice is confirmed, it must be respected.

That is the first point.

Second, it is also an important message. This means now that the ball will be in the UK government’s court.

This means that the UK government will opt for notification based on Article 50 of the Treaty of Lisbon.

I would like to see speedy notification so as to avoid an uncertain situation as much as possible.

This also means a term of 2 years to negotiate with Great Britain and we’re going to have to find the best ways to arrive at a new form of cooperation with Great Britain.

I’d also like to send out a message: “don’t panic”. We must keep a cool head.

Keeping a cool head means that we have to quickly find the road to ensure that the European project can rebound.

I want to tell it like it is.

There’s no doubt that the results of this referendum, if they are confirmed, are a slap in the face for the European project.

Keep a cool head, bounce back and take initiatives.

This morning, I would like to launch a solemn appeal to all my fellow Government Leaders and Heads of State and also address this message to the President of the European Council.

I’m calling for a conclave to be organised as quickly as possible in July.

I suggest a conclave at which we set out clear lines for the future of Europe.

Concretely, in the case of Brexit this would mean a conclave without Great Britain in attendance.

There are a few obvious commitments that we should make.

For

• the further unification of the domestic market,
• the Energy Union and the completion of the Digital Agenda, with which positive effects for Europeans, for the people,
• deepening the economic and monetary union and the internal and external security policy.

In a word, I think that this political momentum is a difficult one for the European project. It’s not the first time that Europe has encountered a delicate moment in its path.

This momentum must be used, must be seized to transform it into a chance, an opportunity.

This is why I am launching this appeal to organise a conclave without delay, at the highest level, to make some clear commitments.

A final word.

I am convinced that the European project was the greatest dream of the last century and I’m also convinced that it must be possible for our political generation in Europe to use this challenging momentum to arrive at a new perspective.

We must, and I am being realistic, also take stock of the perception of every person in Europe.

I also believe that we must demonstrate more effectively and efficiently that the European project is an added value in citizens’ daily lives.

And I believe that, in recent years, Europe has been first and foremost an organisation that manages crises in urgent and difficult circumstances, without being in a position to define a perspective, strategy or vision of the future for the benefit of our fellow citizens. This is the challenge that faces us.