Our interests are indeed common European interests, and the only way to serve them is by common means. That is why all Europeans, and all E.U. member states, have a collective responsibility to strengthen our Union.

Indeed, our British friends have decided to leave us - which is very sad for all of us - but life goes on, and the European Union as well goes on.

In the wake of the United Kingdom's vote to 'Brexit' the E.U., we Europeans will indeed have to rethink how our Union works; but we know very well what we need to work for. We know what our principles, interests, and priorities are.

There is a need for the European Union to use all potential we have on defense cooperation.

This can sound as something naive. But if we are together in this union, it's because we choose to be one in many things. That's what makes the European Union experience so challenging and also a model. Why did we do this choice? Because we see that we share a common interest and common values.

The European Union will never see America, or an American president, as a risk.