Finland Times

 

The president, Sauli Niinistö. File Photo – Lehtikuva.

President Sauli Niinistö on Friday said that the Brexit has shocked the corner stones of the Europe-an Union foundation.

 

Niinistö made the remarks following the results of the referendum in Britain regarding its stay in the EU and said that until now the union was defined by only a willingness to join, but now a significant member state wants out.

 

He pointed out that the idea of EU eternity and indivisibility no longer applies. 

 

The President said that the United Kingdom referendum result is a fuel for the anti-EU movement.

 

According to Niinistö, the union should now revert to its basic roots, that is, security, peace and freedom.

 

He pointed out that concrete effects such as, the economy or unity of those remaining in the Euro-pean Union is difficult to predict.

 

“The impact of European security depends on NATO member Britain’s willingness in security co-operation with the rest of Europe,” Niinistö said.

 

Prime Minister Juha Sipilä. File Photo – Lehtikuva.

According to the interpretation of the president, the UK referendum result acts a reminder to the EU of the inevitability of reform. 

 

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Juha Sipilä on Friday said that Finland shows respect to the outcome of the United Kingdom’s EU referendum.

 

He also emphasised that the EU must quickly assess the implications of the referendum result.

 

“We had hoped that the outcome of yesterday’s referendum would support the United Kingdom’s continued EU membership. We, of course, respect the result of the referendum,” said the Prime Minister in a statement. 

 

“We shall now wait and see what steps the British government will take on the basis of the result, and when it will officially notify the European Council of its intention to withdraw from the Euro-pean Union. After that, preparations can begin for the negotiations between the EU and the United Kingdom,” said Sipilä.

 

For Finland, to keep on developing the European Union is as important as negotiating the new rela-tionship between the UK and the EU. Finland is and will be a committed member of the European Union, he said.

 

“To earn the trust of citizens the EU has to focus on essential questions and to be able to carry out reforms. Member States must comply with common rules. In addition, the EU must provide tools for enhancing growth, employment and competitiveness. The EU must also be a credible actor in the international arena and must further develop its common security and defence policy,” the Prime Minister added.