The EU will be happy if, after Brexit, the UK decides to return to this integration association, said First Deputy Chairman of the European Commission Frans Timmermans, whose words the Guardian newspaper quoted Thursday.
“I’m saddened by the fact that a member of our family wants to break ties. At the same time, I am comforted by the thought that family ties cannot really be broken. We will not go anywhere and will always be glad to see you back,” Timmermans wrote in the column Guardian, which he called “My love letter for the UK.”
Timmermans stressed that Britain’s exit from the EU breaks his heart, but he respects such a decision. According to him, the Brexit procedure caused damage to both London and Brussels.
“What I see is sad. This (decision to leave the EU) is harming you … In the process, so much harm has been done to you and to all of us. And I am afraid that there will be even more difficulties,” writes Timmermans.
At the same time, the deputy head of the European Commission stressed that the skepticism of the UK towards the EU project was to some extent useful for both London and Brussels.
“You have always hesitated on the EU issue. I would like you to continue to adhere to this habit, it was useful for you and kept us all in shape,” he wrote.
The UK is expected to leave the EU on January 31. In this case, from March 2020, negotiations will begin between London and Brussels on future relations.