EU leaders heard the information provided by British Prime Minister David Cameron on the situation in his country after the referendum and discussed a preliminary action plan to begin withdrawal procedures.
According to the President, the decision of the British people must be implemented; however, both the EU and Britain need time to prepare for that. This unprecedented situation requires considered actions as well as an open and positive dialogue, helping to ensure that the UK’s withdrawal is as painless as possible for both sides.
Dalia Grybauskaitė also emphasized that the United Kingdom was a close economic partner of Lithuania and a NATO ally with which preparations for the upcoming NATO summit were carried out responsibly. During negotiations on the UK’s withdrawal from the EU Lithuania will defend the interests of its people and will seek to preserve as close relations with Britain as possible.
Tomorrow 27 EU heads of state or government will hold an informal meeting to discuss preparations for negotiations with the United Kingdom and the future of the European Union.
