Sarkozy says Europe has been divided
Britain’s decision to veto the EU treaty changes may have caused a division of Europe according to French President Nicolas Sarkozy.
Last week’s summit caused the United Kingdom’s veto of EU treaty changes and French President Nicolas Sarkozy said there “the birth of a different Europe” has taken place as a result.
Sarkozy said that Europe has been divided by those who want more solidarity between members states and those who are focused on the single market.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Sarkozy claimed to have attempted to persuade the UK by all means possible to sign the changes in order to tackle the debt crisis.
The decision to refrain from signing the EU deal was defended by UK Prime Minister David Cameron who insisted it was done to safeguard the country’s financial sector.
Cameron explained that his interest laid in safeguarding Britain and while it was possible to be a fully-fledged member of the EU, it was necessary to steer clear of any arrangements which would not protect British interests.
EU Economics Commisioner Olli Rehn regretted Cameron’s decision to veto the treaty changes because of the consequences which would not just affect Britain but would also negatively affect the EU as a whole.
Rehn said that Britain has a crucial role at the centre of Europe and did not believe that its place was on the “sidelines”.