Brexit: How Europe is responding to the EU referendum result
Politicians in other European countries are now demanding their own referendum, following the Brexit result
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.This morning the world has woken to the news that the UK has voted to leave the European Union.
A decisive victory for the Leave campaign has been declared, with Nigel Farage announcing that "dawn is breaking on an independent United Kingdom."
At home, politicians and pundits are reacting to the historic vote, with David Cameron's premiership now in question, as well as the practicalities of how a Brexit will actually take place.
Across Europe, politicians and press have been responding to the news with mixed reactions, including some leaders now calling for a similar referendum to be held in their own country.
Far-right French politician Marion Le Pen has celebrated the result, exuberantly tweeting "Victory!"
She then followed with a further message calling for France to have a similar vote, dubbing it 'Frexit'.
She wrote: "From Brexit to Frexit: It is now time to bring democracy to our own country. The French must have the right to choose."
Similarly, leader of the Dutch Freedom Party Geert Wilders has called for a referendum for his own country. He wrote: "Hurrah for the British! Now it's our turn, time for a Dutch referendum."
Germany's Economic Minister Sigmar Gabriel tweeted his shock, writing: "Damn, a bad day for Europe."
Norway's Prime Minister Erna Solberg conceded the result represents "political challenges" for the EU.
Gerard Araud, French ambassador to the US, called the result a crucial one which shows the EU must "reform or die."
President of the European Parliament, Martin Schulz has said that the UK's ambiguous relationship towards Europe is now clear:
The President of Lithuania had a more reflective message, simply tweeting: "Respect, regret, re-engage."
Acting Prime Minister of Spain Marino Rajoy, tweeted: "Next steps- serenity, greater integration" / "Proximos pasos- serenity, greater integration".
In Ireland, the Prime Minister is due to make a statement shortly. He has previously warned against Brexit, citing concerns it could destablise the Northern Irish peace process.
In the UK, Northern Irish Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness has called for a border poll on Irish reunification, over concerns about how the border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland could now be affected.
In Scotland, calls are growing for a second referendum on Scottish independence after every single result in the region was in favour of remaining in the EU.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments