EU must be restructured after Brexit, says Renzi

(AGI) Rome, June 24 - Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi called a meeting on Friday to address the victory of the "Leave" faction in the UK's Brexit referendum and its repercussions for Europe. "The name I want to give Europe is 'home'. Our home is a place of safety and solidity. Europe is our home; not just of us Italians, but ours too. We affirm this today with more conviction than ever, knowing that this house must be renovated, freshened up, but it's our home," he stated. "The world to come needs a Europe of bravery, culture, freedom, democracy, a Europe with the Humanism that changed history. Peace has always been made possible through unity, not separation. This institution managed to put an end to years and years of war." "Italy is solid once again; today it has a duty," he added. "Our duty is to offer this solidity to other European partners too. Our commitment begins tomorrow, with the foreign ministers, starting with those of the founding countries, and then on Monday, when I will meet with Chancellor Merkel and President Hollande in Belgium." Renzi admitted that Friday's outcome marked "an unprecedented day". "A difficult day, but throughout its history Europe has proven that it can overcome any obstacle. And I'm here to say that Italy will do its part in the process that begins today. The government and the European institutions are in a position to guarantee, by any means, the stability of the financial system and taxpayers' security." Renzi said the times now call for "clear-headedness and balance" and that "the strength of calmness can put Europe back on centre-stage in this difficult time". (AGI). .