In advance of the 16 September Bratislava summit to map out a Union without the UK, the leaders of the three largest EU economies met yesterday in a second mini-summit to start charting a new course for the EU.
Encouraging words followed, but no formula.
Prime Minister Renzi, Chancellor Merkel and President Hollande all indicated before the meeting that Britain’s departure will not herald the end of the union.
“Many thought the EU was finished after Brexit but that is not the case,” said Italy’s Renzi on Monday as he greeted his guests.
He added: “Europe after Brexit will relaunch with powerful ideals of unity and peace, freedom and dreams.”
At a press conference before the meeting, Hollande said the EU needs a “new impulse” on three fronts – the economy, defence and security as well as providing education and jobs to Europe’s youth.
He also said that Europe was at risk of “fragmentation and division” and warned against retreating into nationalism.
All three leaders are being challenged by Eurosceptic or populist domestic parties, with general elections due in France and Germany in 2017 and a risky referendum on constitutional reform later this year in Italy.
Merkel harkened back to the birth of the EU out of some of Europe’s “darkest moments” and counselled that despite “enormous challenges”, EU partners must work together, strengthen internal and external borders, boost economic growth and find jobs for young people.
Echoing Renzi, she said the time had come to "write a better page" in European history.
That better page may not be easy to find. Germany is keen on a “better Europe” over “more Europe” as hoped for by some of the southern countries. The Dutch hold a similar view.
The Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia vowed after Britain's vote to draw up their own plans for a less centralised EU.
No decisions at the meeting will be taken on behalf of other member nations, Hollande vowed, but added “we will commit ourselves to lead”.
Likely topics of discussion include Europe’s economic prospects, terror attacks, refugee and migrant demands, the war in Syria and relations with Russia and Turkey, according to Renzi.
