Angela Merkel: The European Union Will Continue to Exist Without Britain

Angela Merkel, the Chancellor of Germany, stated on Tuesday regarding Britain's exit from the European Union that the EU will continue to exist without Britain and will still guarantee peace, stability, and economic prosperity for its members. Merkel promised to do everything in her power to prevent the union from falling apart. According to the Associated Press, Jean-Claude Juncker, the President of the European Commission, also announced in an emergency meeting held hours before the European leaders' summit that Britain must clarify its future plans as soon as possible. European leaders are set to gather in Brussels for two days to hear the positions of David Cameron and Britain's future plans. David Cameron, the resigning Prime Minister of Britain, had announced that discussions on Britain's exit would not begin until autumn. Mr. Juncker has told members of the European Parliament that he hopes Britain will clarify its position quickly so that Europe does not have to remain in uncertainty for a while. Britain must implement Article 50 and begin separation talks. Once this article is enacted, Britain will have two years to negotiate its exit with Europe. During these discussions, future relations between Britain and the European Union will be discussed. Merkel is among the European leaders who will attend the EU summit with David Cameron. She previously appeared in the German parliament and stated that she expects Britain to maintain close relations with Europe, although she emphasized that these trade relations will not be at the previous level. Both Merkel and Juncker have stressed that they will not engage in discussions with Britain until it officially begins the exit process. Earlier, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, the German Foreign Minister, had made a similar request. The Dutch Defense Minister also stated during a speech today in the European Parliament that no one will benefit from uncertainty and that it is better for Britain to formalize its exit process quickly. Members of the European Parliament also stood up and applauded Jonathan Hill, the British representative in this parliament, during their session on July 8. Mr. Hill resigned last week after the exit referendum and left the European Parliament in tears amid the applause of his colleagues. The exit referendum has caused significant divisions between the government and its opposition. Both Northern Ireland and Scotland voted to remain in the union and now wish to separate from Britain to stay in the union. The city of London also voted to remain in the union, and Sadiq Khan, the newly elected mayor of the city, has called for more powers for the city. The referendum has also sparked significant divisions between younger and middle-aged voters. Sixty percent of individuals over fifty in Britain voted for separation, while younger people, due to better educational and job prospects, wanted to remain in the union. In this context, 'Britain's exit could be the beginning of the EU's collapse.' Global reactions to the result of Britain's exit referendum from the European Union 'Brexit': A tsunami of separation. The consequences of Britain's exit from the European Union for its citizens.