The departure of the United Kingdom from the European Union is “a shock and a historic warning signal for all of Europe,” according to French President Emmanuel Macron. He believes this signal should be heard in all EU countries and should prompt pro-Europeans to reflect.
In response to the British exit from the nearly 75-year-old European cooperation, Macron said the break with the British likely happened because “we in our Europe have not changed enough.”
With his reaction, Macron not only looked back on his own criticism of how the European Union functions, but he also put forth again a proposal for the EU future conference that will launch in a few months. The goal of the two-year conference is to modernize the entire European Union. This will not only address the current scope of responsibilities but also the current and future costs, as well as the entire decision-making process and competences.
Euro-skeptical politicians and countries distancing themselves from the EU have often characterized the British decision as a sign of British disapproval of the EU’s way of working, arguing that with timely cutbacks and austerity measures in the EU, the British might have stayed. These critics hold pro-Europe politicians who advocate for more EU integration responsible for what they call “the beginning of Europe’s disintegration.”
The three EU presidents Michel, Von der Leyen, and Sassoli called the British departure “a new dawn for Europe” in their response. For the trio, Friday was inevitably a day of “reflection and mixed emotions, as for so many people.” The EU leaders still regret the British decision but are determined to shape the new partnership ambitiously. Only by pooling their strengths can EU countries face challenges such as climate change, digitalization, and international competition, they said.
The British flag was lowered on Friday in Brussels and Strasbourg at the European Council and European Parliament buildings. Two staff members took less than a minute to remove the British flag. They took down the mast, folded the flag, and left quietly.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson largely kept a low profile. However, he addressed the British public in a video message. Johnson said that Brexit is for many people “an incredible moment full of hope” that they thought would never come. Johnson promised his compatriots “a new era of friendly cooperation” with the European Union ahead. He called Brexit “not an end, but a beginning” of a new chapter in British history.