EU Leaders Meeting: European Union plans for life after Brexit

World
Europe

03:01

European Union leaders broke from the usual mold for an informal summit to discuss the bloc's agenda for the next 5 years. The meeting sought to chart a course for the EU's post-Brexit future. Mariam Zaidi reports from the central Romanian town Sibiu, where the one-day talks were held.

A beautiful day for a celebration. Flags aloft, locals lined the streets of the small, picturesque Romanian town of Sibiu.

It was chosen by Klaus Iohannis - the town's former mayor and Romania's current president - to host EU leaders for an informal summit on the day that the bloc annually celebrates its unity, Europe Day.

KLAUS IOHANNIS ROMANIAN PRESIDENT "It's a good future. And this is why we come together in Sibiu. We are talking about the future of the union. We are united. We know what to do, when to do it and how to do it."

But as this wasn't a formal summit, leaders delivered more platitudes than serious proposals. With declarations to "stay united through thick and thin and to safeguard the future." Although climate change did make the footnotes of their hopes for a better future.

But one concrete plan was announced.

DONALD TUSK EUROPEAN COUNCIL PRESIDENT "I call a special European Council on 28th May to start the process to nominate the next leaders of EU Institutions. This should be swift, effective, and in accordance with our treaties."

The next few months will bring much renewal across EU institutions. New presidents for the EU Commission and Council will be chosen. But before that, on May 23rd, possibly the most important elections in a generation will take place. Voters will go to the polls to elect 700 plus MEPs across the bloc.

EMMANUEL MACRON FRENCH PRESIDENT "More than 400 million European citizens will have to choose with a very clear alternative. Do we want to build together, even differently, by improving things, or do we want to deconstruct Europe and return to nationalism?"

Sibiu did though, break from the traditional stuffiness of EU summits. While outside posing for photos, leaders even joined in with the crowds.

All of this togetherness almost made you forget that today was meant to be the dawn of a new beginning: the unveiling of the bloc's post-Brexit renewal.

With divorce still on the cards, the UK was politely asked not to attend.

"Do you wish Theresa was here?"

"I'm missing her."

MARIAM ZAIDI SIBIU, ROMANIA "We've seen some really great scenes here in Sibiu. And it's not just because of the idyllic surroundings. The EU has its problems but they wanted this informal gathering to be a celebration and why not? Perhaps if nothing else it's served as a much-needed respite from the Brexit chaos. So happy Europe Day! Mariam Zaidi, CGTN, Sibiu."