Читать книгу My Secret Brexit Diary - Michel Barnier - Страница 17

This early summer morning began with a rude awakening for all Europeans. We went to our beds last night certain that the British had voted to remain in the European Union. All initial commentaries suggested this was the case. Even Nigel Farage, one of the most ardent Leave campaigners, seemed to have conceded defeat.

Now, this morning, everyone is stunned. The precise counting of votes is finished. Fifty-two per cent of the British public who voted have chosen to leave the EU!

It’s an earthquake. For the first time, an EU country has decided to leave.

By chance, I have an appointment this morning with François Hollande at the Élysée Palace. He is as shocked as I am. A profound geopolitical change is imminent in Europe. For the French President as for the German Chancellor – for all of us – this is a wake-up call, a collective failure from which we must try to draw some lessons.