'Not a bang, but a whimper': How Europe's newspapers are reporting Brexit day

Europe's newspapers marked Brexit with a mixture of sorrow, apprehension, and relief on Friday – ahead of the Britain's departure from the bloc in the evening.

In an editorial, The Irish Times laments the departure of the UK, warning that "Brexit is, inescapably a terrible loss". The newspaper warns that "the EU will be weaker" without Britain and judges that "Ireland has lost a valuable ally at the EU table". But its front page splash says that "Britain leaves the European Union not with a bang, but a whimper".

German outlet Zeit meanwhile says that "if you want to understand Brexit, you have to read a British newspaper" and runs through the way the British press has covered the issue of the EU over the years.

Another German magazine Spiegel meanwhile pays a visit to Redcar, which voted strong for Brexit, despite, it notes having "actually benefited greatly from the EU and above all the money from Brussels".

In Belgium, French-language newspaper Le Soir leads with the front page splash: 'Let It Be' – for the Beatles song. Its editorial says Brexit "is a relief, it is a loss, it is a failure".

In Flanders, Belgian Dutch-langauge newspaper De Morgen tells its readers that the British government is "still blowing hot and cold" on what sort of trade deal it wants, despite the lack of time. The paper's editorial says that "the way the EU is losing a member state for the first time in its history is a tragic defeat for everyone".

French daily Le Figaro says the British are "between enthusiasm and apprehension", and casts an eye over the polarised views on the UK newspaper front pages.

Another French newspaper, Libération, meanwhile welcomes the end of "three and a half years of negotiations and psychodramas", and casts its eye to the future.

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"In a few years, children born on Friday, January 31, 2020 will learn that their day of birth is a historic date," its correspondent writes.

"At school, in their history textbooks, they will read that this date marks the end of a remarkable destiny and adventure.

"Young Europeans will explore the story of a breakup and, ultimately, a failure. Little Britons will no doubt discover a slightly different, more enthusiastic version. Perhaps they will read that, that day, their country 'regained its independence'.In thirty years, the children of these children will know the outcome."

Italian daily newspaper La Repubblica focuses its coverage on the economic aspects – highlighting a sharp drop in car production in the UK to its readers. La Stampa notes that the time available for negotiating the future relationship is "very little". The Italian newspaper says the EU know they "are playing twenty-seven against one, but also across the Channel they believe they have some aces up their sleeve".

Austrian newspaper Die Presse meanwhile leads with a warning for EU officials and continental leaders: "It is so important from the EU side that no hurt pride rejects the desired partnership," it says.

In Poland, Gazeta Wyborcza cautions that "it is quite possible that a few months from now the risk of 'no deal' will appear again". Its front page claims that Brexit is a "a lesson for Poland".

"Now, the truly difficult part begins," warns Sweden's Dagens Nyheter.