EU leaders in Bratislava for elusive “road map” after Brexit shock

PanARMENIAN.Net - Reeling from Britain's decision to leave, the European Union's remaining 27 states met on Friday, September 16 to inject momentum into the ailing EU project even as they acknowledged deep divisions over the refugee crisis and the economy, Reuters reports.

Years of economic crisis have pushed up unemployment in many member states, while a spate of attacks by Islamist militants and a record influx of migrants have unsettled voters, who are turning increasingly to populist, anti-EU parties.

The "informal" summit - so-called because any formal one still has to include Britain until it leaves the bloc - is aimed at restoring public faith in the European Union, which for decades was seen as a guarantor of peace and prosperity but is now, officials acknowledge, in an "existential crisis."

"Everyone is aware of the situation. Britain has decided to leave and there are questions about the future of Europe," French President Francois Hollande said before the meeting in the Slovak capital.

"Either we move in the direction of disintegration, of dilution, or we work together to inject new momentum, we relaunch the European project."

Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras said: "Europe should stop sleepwalking in the wrong direction."

The aim in Bratislava is to agree a "road map" for reform of the EU that can be finalised over the next half year. More concrete proposals would be presented at a summit in March of next year that coincides with the 60th anniversary of the bloc's founding Treaty of Rome.

But because of divisions on some of the biggest issues, leaders are expected to stick to areas of common ground.

They will pledge closer defense cooperation and agree to bolster security along the EU's external borders, as well as discussing new initiatives to generate growth and jobs.

"All these countries have an interest in fighting terrorism, in a more secure Europe, in preventing uncontrolled migration, all have an interest in economic cooperation to create more jobs," said Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte.