News
Lowenna Waters
Mar 05, 2019
AFP/Getty Images
French president Emmaunel Macron has issued an urgent warning to the EU in the wake of Brexit.
In an opinion piece addressed to 'citizens of Europe', published in newspapers across 28 EU member states, he argued that it is time for a 'European renaissance', and suggested that Britain could 'find its true place' in a reformed EU.
The 'urgent' message comes just 80 days before European Parliament elections, which could see populist and eurosceptic parties secure significant numbers of seats, reports LBC.
In the letter, Mr Macron said that the EU needs a 'major shake up' if it's to stop member states 'retreating into nationalism', which is a direct reference to Brexit, reports theBBC.
Who told the British people the truth about their post-Brexit future?
Who spoke to them about losing access to the EU market? Who mentioned the risks to peace in Ireland of restoring the border?
Mentioning the prospect of the UK remaining in a two or three-speed EU, Mr Macron wrote:
There will be disagreement, but is it better to have a static Europe or a Europe that advances, sometimes at different speeds, and that is open to all?
In this Europe, the people will really take back control of their future. In this Europe, the UK, I am sure, will find its true place.
He also described Brexit as a 'European trap':
The trap lies not in being part of the European Union; the trap is in the lie and the irresponsibility that can destroy it.
Who told the British people the truth about their post-Brexit future? Who spoke to them about losing access to the EU market?
Who mentioned the risks to peace in Ireland of restoring the border? Retreating into nationalism offers nothing; it is rejection without an alternative.
And this is the trap that threatens the whole of Europe: the anger mongers, backed by fake news, promise anything and everything.
He finished by calling for a 'European renaissance', while expressing his wish for an overhaul of the EU.
Mr Macron's passionate intervention comes as Brexit Secretary Stephen Barclay and Attorney General Geoffrey Cox visit Brussels in a continued attempt at winning changes to Theresa May's Brexit deal.
HT LBC
More: Brexit campaign 'Ladies for Leave' roasted for vowing to 'protect our children's votes'
Top 100
The Conversation (0)