German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier attends a press conference after a foreign minister meeting of the European Union founding members in Berlin, Germany, June 25, 2016.
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‘Any delay would unnecessarily prolong uncertainty, ‘ Mr Juncker said in a joint statement issued with EU President Donald Tusk, EU Parliament leader Martin Schulz and Dutch premier Mark Rutte.
He also urged the remaining 27 EU countries to return to “the spirit of the founders” of European unity, forged to prevent conflict via trade after World War II.
All six ministers said they agreed that Europe needs to do more to solve pressing issues like the migration crisis, unemployment and security concerns following the terror attacks in France and Belgium.
However, he cautioned against making rash decisions.
“I am sure that our member states can send a common message: We will not let Europe be taken away from us”, he said.
The present-day European Union originated from the European Economic Community, which was established in 1957 by West Germany, France, Italy, and the Benelux countries.
He underlined the importance of the European Union as an important peace and stability project, which had made significant contributions to the well-being and success of its members states for more than 50 years.
The British decision should be seen as a wake-up call, Steinmeier told reporters.
Steinmeier’s office had said earlier that the meeting is one of many conversations now taking place, and shouldn’t be seen as “an exclusive format”.
Speaking Saturday in Berlin after meeting with other top European diplomats, Jean Asselborn said he hoped there would be no “cat and mouse” game now and that Britain would invoke Article 50 of the EU charter, which allows for a country to leave.
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He told Bild that the exit of Britain did not mean the beginning of the end for the European Union, but warned that “the populists will not leave out this opportunity to promote their anti-Europe politics with much noise”.
