EU leaders continue Brexit summit without David Cameron

EU leaders meet to discuss Brexit
(Image credit: Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)

European Union leaders are meeting today in Brussels to continue talks regarding next steps following last week's Brexit vote. Britain's prime minister, David Cameron, who campaigned against the Brexit, attended the summit on Tuesday, but it was his last. He is absent on Wednesday. The U.K. has been given some time to let the dust settle before activating Article 50, thus triggering the formal leaving process, but on Tuesday, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said: "I want to say very clearly tonight that I see no way to reverse this. We all need to look at the reality of the situation. It is not the hour for wishful thinking." EU Council President Donald Tusk echoed that sentiment, saying Europe is ready to "start the divorce process."

The remaining 27 members of the EU are eager to stem the fallout of the vote and maintain the strength and integrity of the trading bloc without Britain. Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel said, "We have to show Europe brings a real added value that can be felt by our fellow citizens."

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Jessica Hullinger

Jessica Hullinger is a writer and former deputy editor of The Week Digital. Originally from the American Midwest, she completed a degree in journalism at Indiana University Bloomington before relocating to New York City, where she pursued a career in media. After joining The Week as an intern in 2010, she served as the title’s audience development manager, senior editor and deputy editor, as well as a regular guest on “The Week Unwrapped” podcast. Her writing has featured in other publications including Popular Science, Fast Company, Fortune, and Self magazine, and she loves covering science and climate-related issues.