Europe’s leaders meet today without Britain for the first time following its shock decision to leave the EU, trying to pick up the pieces and prevent further disintegration. The 27 remaining members of the bloc agreed to give Britain some breathing space yesterday. EU , accepted that it needs time to absorb the shock of the Brexit vote before triggering Article 50 that will begin the formal divorce proceedings.
But German Chancellor Angela Merkel warned British Prime Minister David Cameron could not “cherry-pick” the terms of the exit negotiations.
European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker said Britain did not have “months to meditate” and set a clear timetable for triggering Article 50.
Top of the agenda today will be how the remaining 27 members of the bloc can increase unity after the shock of the British vote.