David Sassoli , President of the European Parliament, Ursula von der Leyen , President of the European Commission, and Charles Michel , President of the European Council
“When the night comes tonight, the sun will set over more than 45 years of the UK's membership of the European Union. For us, the presidents of the three main EU institutions, as for so many others, this day will inevitably be one of mixed thought and emotion.
Our thoughts are with all those who have helped make the European Union what it is today. To those who worry about their future or who are sorry to see the United Kingdom leaving the Union. To the British members of our institutions who have helped shape policies that have improved the lives of millions of Europeans. We will think of the United Kingdom and its citizens, their creativity, their ingenuity, their culture and their traditions, which have been an essential part of the mosaic that is our Union.
These emotions testify to our affection for the United Kingdom, a feeling that goes far beyond belonging to our Union. We have always deeply regretted the UK's decision to leave the Union, but we have also always fully respected it. The agreement we have reached is fair to both parties and ensures that millions of citizens of the EU and the UK will continue to have their rights protected wherever they choose to live.
At the same time, we must look to the future and establish a new partnership between long-time friends. Together, our three institutions will do everything in their power to make this partnership a success. We are ready to show ambition.
The proximity of this partnership will depend on future decisions. Because every choice has consequences. The free movement of capital, goods and services is inseparable from the free movement of people. Without fair conditions in the fields of environment, labor, taxation and State aid, there can be no broad access to the single market. You cannot keep the advantages attached to membership status when you no longer have this quality.
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Over the coming weeks, months and years, we will have to loosen some of the ties that the EU and the UK have painstakingly woven together for five decades. In this task, we will spare no effort to chart a new course in allies, partners and friends.
Although no longer a member of the EU, the United Kingdom will continue to be part of Europe. Our shared geography and history, as well as the ties forged in so many areas, unite us steadfastly and make us natural allies. Animated by a common purpose and sharing mutual interests, we will continue to collaborate in matters of foreign affairs, security and defense. We will, however, do so in different forms.
We do not underestimate the task ahead, but we are convinced that, with good will and determination, we can establish a lasting, positive and constructive partnership.
However, tomorrow will also be the dawn of a new era for Europe.
These past few years have brought us together, as nations, as institutions and as citizens. They reminded us all that the European Union is not just a market or an economic power, but that it embodies values that we all share and defend. They reminded us of how strong we are when we come together.
This is why the Member States of the European Union will continue to join forces and build a common future. In an era characterized by competition between great powers and by geopolitical turbulence, size is a significant factor. No single country can contain the progression of climate change, find solutions to the digital future or make its voice heard in the growing cacophony that reigns in this world.
But if we come together, the European Union will be able to.
We will be able to because we have the largest domestic market in the world. We will be able to because we are the largest trading partner in 80 countries. We will be able to because we are a Union of dynamic democracies. We will be able to do this because our peoples are determined to promote Europe's interests and values on the world stage. We will be able to do this because the EU member states will use their collective economic power, which is considerable, in discussions with our allies and partners - the United States, Africa, China or India.
All this arouses in us a renewed interest in a common goal. We have a common vision of our goal and are determined to be ambitious on the crucial issues of our time. As the Green Pact for Europe indicates, we want to be the first climate-neutral continent by 2050, creating new jobs and bringing new perspectives for citizens. We want to be pioneers in the next generation of digital technologies and we want a just transition so that we can help those most affected by the change.
We believe that only the European Union can do this. But we know that we can only achieve it together: citizens, nations and institutions. And we, the presidents of the three institutions, are determined to assume our role.
This work will continue as soon as the sun rises tomorrow morning. "