Brexit: Sombre mood in Brussels as reality starts to sink in

The mood in Brussels was sombre yesterday after the UK’s shock decision to quit the EU. The heads of the bloc’s three institutions made a show of unity and begged for calm as they geared up for what is likely to be a drawn-out divorce settlement.

“It is a historic moment but for sure not a moment for hysterical reactions”, said European Council president Donald Tusk, who chairs the summits of EU leaders and will steer the bloc’s exit talks with the UK.

“I always remember what my father used to tell me: What doesn’t kill you, makes you stronger.”