Union must learn lessons from Brexit – Macron

FRENCH President Emmanuel Macron has said the European Union must “learn lessons” from Britain’s decision to leave it.

Speaking from Brussels, Mr Macron said that the exit of a major member state for the first time showed “Europe is fragile” and the EU “is not a given”.

The French leader said European leaders have a duty to “protect it against all those who forget that it is a guarantee of peace, prosperity and security”.

Mr Macron also paid homage to Prime Minister Theresa May for seeking a “path to durable co-operation” with the EU, while defending UK interests during negotiations.

Twenty-seven EU leaders have endorsed a deal that sets out the terms of Britain’s departure on March 29 and sets a framework for future ties.

Meanwhile, Germany’s Chancellor Angela Merkel described the deal as a “diplomatic piece of art”.

Mrs Merkel, also speaking in Brussels, said: “It’s an historic day, which triggers very ambivalent feelings... It is tragic that the UK is leaving the EU now after 45 years, but we have to, of course, respect the vote of the British people.”

European Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker said the UK could not hope to negotiate better terms before its departure.

He said: “I am totally convinced this is the only deal possible. Those who think that by rejecting the deal that they would have a better deal will be disappointed the first seconds after the rejection.”

Mrs May was in agreement, saying: “This is the deal that is on the table. It is the best possible deal. It is the only deal.”