‘Brexit is not future of European Union’: EU’s Juncker

By Serife Cetin</p> <p>STRASBOURG, France (AA) – “Brexit is not the future of the European Union” and cannot pose as an obstacle before EU’s progress, the head of European Commission said on Thursday.</p> <p>“Brexit cannot hinder our progress and it will not. The trade agreements and relations with international partners will determine the future of our union,” Jean-Claude Juncker told the General Assembly of European Parliament in Strasbourg, France.</p> <p>The U.K. should behave “constructive and responsible” as long as it a member of the union.</p> <p>Also addressing the meeting, European Council President Donald Tusk said the Brexit extension, now due on Oct. 31, will provide “more time” and “political space” for the U.K. to find a way out of the current situation.</p> <p>On Thursday, British Prime Minister Theresa May agreed with the EU for a longer Brexit extension, till the end of October, which means the U.K. will take part in European Parliament elections set for May 23-26.</p> <p>Tusk stressed: “The European Council will be awaiting a clear message from the U.K. on the way forward.”</p> <p>The EU Council head also said he strongly opposed to the idea that the U.K. “should be treated as a second category member state.”</p> <p>“I know that, on both sides of the channel, including myself, is exhausted with Brexit, which is completely understandable.</p> <p>“However, this is not an excuse to say ‘Let’s get it over with’, just because we are tired. </p> <p>“You must continue to deal with Brexit with an open mind and in a civilized manner,” Tusk said.