Italy sees UK's exit from EU as great opportunity for the bloc

Italy’s Prime Minister Matteo Renzi has said that the UK’s decision to leave the European Union is a great opportunity for the bloc.

Renzi told the upper house Senate that the move by Britain provides the EU an opportunity to adopt much needed changes.

The prime minister wants the bloc to focus more on social issues.

“The world outside here is changing in an incredible way. Allow me to say that what happened in the United Kingdom may be the greatest opportunity for Europe if we stop playing a defensive game and try to give our continent the possibility of a new start. For this to happen we need to have good sense and balance,” said Renzi.

Friday’s historic referendum showed that 51.9 per cent of UK voters chose to leave the European Union while 48.1 per cent voted to remain in the bloc.
Reuters