Juncker: EU is ready to launch negotiations swiftly with UK

European President Jean-Claude Juncker gave a joint statement to the press on Friday morning (24 June), representing the European Commission, European Parliament, European Council, and Council of the EU on the British referendum on membership of the EU.

“We regret this decision but respect it,” he said.

Juncker urged Britain to proceed without delay, stating, “Any delay would unnecessarily prolong uncertainty. We have rules to deal with this in an orderly way. […] We stand ready to launch negotiations swiftly with the United Kingdom regarding the terms and conditions of its withdrawal from the European Union.”

Asked whether the ‎Brexit vote was the beginning of the end for the EU, Juncker said “No” and promptly left the press conference, to thunderous applause from those in the room.