“This departure is a shock, a historic alarm signal for the whole of Europe which should make us think. "A few hours before the entry into force of Brexit, the effective departure of the United Kingdom from the European Union, Emmanuel Macron wanted to send a solemn message to the French, a short video message, broadcast in the media and on social media.
More than ever we need Europe. Facing China or the United States, facing the climate transition, we need more Europe. To be able to feed ourselves, to face the great transformations, we need more Europe. pic.twitter.com/0v5SnvN5Je
- Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) January 31, 2020The tone adopted by the President of the Republic was grave, almost somber. "Let us not hide it, it is a sad day", launched Macron, who, by choosing "the Hymn to joy", the European anthem, on the evening of his presidential victory, had made reinforcement of the Union a key project of its quinquennium. Project through which he still stands today against all Eurosceptic parties and especially against the National Rally. And the head of state to drive the point home: "It is the first time in seventy years that a country has left the European Union", he insists, condemning both the lies and the simplifications which made the bed of the British vote in favor of this departure, but also the inadequacies of the members of the EU. This “Brexit is possible […] because also we haven't changed our Europe enough,” he says.
“The future of our country does not depend on less Europe. We need more Europe, said the French president again. To be stronger against China and the United States, ensure an ecological transition ... We can only continue to move forward if we reform in depth, with a Europe that is more democratic and closer to our fellow citizens. "
2020, a year of transition
The year 2020, said Emmanuel Macron, is a year of transition. "Tomorrow, nothing will change", with the exception of five additional French MEPs intended to replace part of the British deputies. But now is the time to build new relations between the EU and the United Kingdom - "which will have less duties but also fewer rights" - and between the United Kingdom and France. Responsible for leading these discussions on the European side, Michel Barnier is to present the priorities of his mandate and the modalities of this second phase on Monday. He also met Emmanuel Macron Friday late afternoon.
VIDEO. Brexit: British MEPs leave European Parliament for the last time
"The French know what they owe the British people," concluded the head of state, who will soon be traveling to the United Kingdom as the two countries commemorate the 80th anniversary of the general's call on June 18. de Gaulle in London.
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The starry blue flag was removed at the end of the afternoon from the façade of the United Kingdom's representation to the EU in Brussels. The Union Jack, he floated on the European institutions until the departure of the United Kingdom at midnight.