Statements by President of the Government after first day of European Council

Bussels

Q.- Are you pleased at the re-election of Donald Tusk?

President of the Government.- Yes, because he has done a good job over these past two and a half years, and because institutions need stability. There was no reason for him not to be re-elected and, in fact, out of 28 countries, 27 lent him their support. I believe that it is a good decision and it sends out a message from the European Union saying that stability is a very important value.

Q.- President of the Government, today we have seen a report from the government in the papers warning of the dangers of Brexit for Spain. Among other things, it states that Spain could lose 1 billion euros in exports. Do you have anything to add to that?

President of the Government.- We shouldn't over-dramatise things. What we have to do is negotiate well. It is in the United Kingdom's interest to negotiate well, as it is for Europe and for Spain as well, and I hope that things turn out reasonably well for everyone. First of all, for those Spaniards in the United Kingdom, as well as for British citizens in Spain and in other European countries. I trust that things will be done well, and of course, as I have said on many occasions, we will work towards that goal.

Thank you very much.