Video
Donald Tusk: Brexit has led to a rise in pro-European sentiment
European Council President Donald Tusk with British Prime Minister Theresa May. Photograph: Dario Pignatelli/PA. - Credit: DPA/PA Images
Donald Tusk has claimed that there was a 'pro-European majority' in the European elections, and said Brexit had helped make it happen.
The president of the European Council branded the UK's attempt at a departure from the EU a "vaccine" in stopping others wanting to follow suit.
Donald Tusk made the comments to journalists as he welcomed "a pro-European majority" in the European Parliament in a press conference after an informal dinner in Brussels between EU leaders.
He said: "I have no doubt that one of the reasons why people on the continent voted for a pro-European majority is also Brexit.
"As Europeans see what Brexit means in practice they also draw conclusions. Brexit has been a vaccine against anti-EU propaganda and fake news."
You may also want to watch:
Tusk said the outcome of the election was "a good omen for the EU and our future as Europeans".
"The vast majority voted for a more effective, stronger and united EU while rejecting those who want a weak Europe. This is powerful sign. Europe is the winner in these elections.
Most Read
- 1 Nigel Farage loses nearly 50,000 followers after Twitter suspends QAnon accounts
- 2 Progressive alliance could see Labour win 351 seats at next election, new analysis reveals
- 3 What Auf Wiedersehen, Pet teaches us about Britain and Europe
- 4 Fifteen ways to fix Britain
- 5 Michel Barnier tells UK to be 'very careful' in Brexit diplomatic status row
- 6 An actor whose politics were a touchy subject
- 7 Tory minister admits UK rejected EU's music visa offer in order to 'take back control' of borders
- 8 Holyrood in talks with EU to extend Erasmus scheme to Scottish students
- 9 This chumocracy is costing our country
- 10 George Osborne hopes for Brexit dividend
"In fact, as people have become more pro-European, some major eurosceptic parties have abandoned the anti-EU slogans and presented themselves as EU reformers.
"This is a positive development."
Become a Supporter
The New European is proud of its journalism and we hope you are proud of it too. We believe our voice is important - both in representing the pro-EU perspective and also to help rebalance the right wing extremes of much of the UK national press. If you value what we are doing, you can help us by making a contribution to the cost of our journalism.
