It is always said that Europe is a project of the elite. That's incorrect.

Anyone who believes that the eternal question of war and peace in Europe is no longer there risks being deeply mistaken.

I notice with a certain sense of regret that far too many Europeans are returning to a regional and national mindset.

I have another explanation [of Brexit]: In its 43 years of EU membership, Britain has never been able to decide whether it wants to fully or only partially belong to the EU.

The problem is: When two governments or institutions in Europe hold differing opinions, it is immediately a crisis.

But it is the best thing that we have for bringing the countries of Europe around the same table and for forging compromises so that people here can live in peace, freedom and prosperity. In a world which is growing closer together all the time, we can only survive and influence the rules if we join forces. We will miss the presence of the United Kingdom at this table.

I urge everyone to be patient and reasonable and I warn against shooting from the hip in the truest sense of the term. Pressure and dialogue are needed.