The views across Europe
France
President Francois Hollande took the triggering of Article 50 as an opportunity to talk about the future of the bloc with its remaining 27 members. “If we want to look at our future, it should be, first of all, real unity for the 27, but also with the possibility of going faster for some countries that so decide.”
Germany
“We are losing a strong and important member state,” Chancellor Angela Merkel said following a telephone call with British Prime Minister Theresa May. Her Vice Chancellor, Sigmar Gabriel, struck a more upbeat note on Twitter: “Let’s stay friends, dear Brits!”
Austria
For Chancellor Christian Kern, one of the main issues is Britain’s considerable debts with the European Union. “Considering the reported estimates of up to €60 billion ($92b) that the Britons still owe the EU, this will surely turn into a tough struggle,” he said. Foreign Minister Sebastian Kurz showed more sympathy for Britain’s decision to leave. “Brexit has shown that citizens’ worries and concerns must be taken seriously.” As Britain will no longer contribute to the EU budget, the remaining countries should consider slashing costs rather than raising everyone’s dues, Kurz added.
Denmark
“Now it’s farewell to Britain,” said Prime Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen. “In two years, the European family goes from 28 to 27 members. That is really sad.” He added that he hoped “the divorce between the EU and Britain can take place in a decent manner, and that we can keep close ties in future. That is in everyone’s interest”. However, he warned: “Britain’s decision to leave the EU and the single market will have consequences. Rights and obligations go hand in hand.”
Sweden
Sweden “regrets the British decision” to leave the EU, Prime Minister Stefan Lofven says, noting Britain has been “a close and valuable partner”. Lofven welcomed the “constructive tone” in British Prime Minister Theresa May’s letter triggering its exit from the bloc, adding that he wants “structured and result-oriented negotiations so that [the EU], even after the exit, [has] as good and favourable relationship with Britain as possible”.
The Czech Republic
Foreign Minister Lubomir Zaoralek said that Britain’s continued access to the single market after Brexit was completely out of the question. “That is as if your wife says that she wants a divorce but would like to return to the family home at any given point in order to take what she wants,” he said. Zaoralek warned that Britain would lose wealth and influence.
The Netherlands
“For many people and businesses in the Netherlands, this starts a period of uncertainty,” Prime Minister Mark Rutte said. The Netherlands exported
€ 15b worth of goods to Britain in 2015 and 100,000 Dutch citizens live there. “They want clarity as soon as possible about their future . . . The Government wants this too,” he said.