Leaders look to safeguard future of Europe

(VENTOTENE) - Europe's Italian, French and German leaders meeting to chart the future of the EU following Britain's Brexit referendum promised Monday to secure Europe's future and uphold European values.

Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi was hosting the summit with Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Francois Hollande on the island of Ventotene, the site of the tomb of Altiero Spinelli, one of the founding fathers of the European Union.

It was Mr Spinelli who first mooted, in the Ventotene Manifesto, proposals for creating a European federation of states, the primary aim of which was to tie European countries so closely together that they would no longer be able to go to war with one another.

The main themes of the summit were security, the economy and youth. The three leaders wanted to direct EU efforts on strengthening internal and external security, EU competitiveness and its innovation capacity, and the prospects of the young people in Europe.

The task of the 21st century was "to guarantee a secure Europe for the people", said Chancellor Merkel, "and at the same time to live according to Europe's values."

Speaking at a joint press conference on the Italian helicopter carrier "Giuseppe Garibaldi", which is taking part in the Mediterranean operation SOPHIA, Mrs Merkel referred to Europe's humanitarian responsibilities in the fight against the human traffickers that make a business out of people's lives.

The main focus of the meeting however was to show that there can be a strong future for Europe even if Britain leaves the EU.

The meeting was in preparation for an informal meeting on the future of the EU after leaving Britain's decision, scheduled to be held in Bratislava on 16 September. This summit will be attended by the leaders of the 27 remaining EU Member States, the President of the European Council and the European Commission.

EU Council President Donald Tusk is to consult all EU leaders ahead of the Bratislava meeting with a view to discussing both its handling and substance. A number of meetings are scheduled for August and September.

On 29 June, the 27 heads of state or government met informally to discuss the political and practical implications of 'Brexit' - beginning a debate on the future of the European Union.

"We are determined to remain united and work in the framework of the EU to deal with the challenges of the 21st century and find solutions in the interest of our nations and peoples. We stand ready to tackle any difficulty that may arise from the current situation", they stated.

Informal meeting of the 27 heads of state or government, 16/09/2016