What has been the response of other EU member states to Brexit?

Since the UK voted in June 2016 to leave the EU, the response of other member states has been mixed. While some countries have taken a hard-line approach, others have been more conciliatory in their attitude.

France and Germany have traditionally been at the forefront of EU decision-making, and they have been among the most vocal critics of Brexit. French President Emmanuel Macron has been particularly outspoken, calling the UK's decision to leave the EU 'a crime' and stating that the EU needs to be more assertive in dealing with the UK. Germany's Chancellor, Angela Merkel, has been more measured in her response, but she has made it clear that she believes the UK cannot 'cherry-pick' the benefits of EU membership.

Other countries, such as Ireland, have taken a more conciliatory approach. Irish Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, has expressed regret at the UK's decision to leave the EU but has stressed the importance of maintaining a close relationship between the UK and the EU after Brexit. The Netherlands, too, has been pragmatic in its approach, with Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte stating that he wants to avoid a 'hard Brexit'.

Overall, the response of EU member states to Brexit has been shaped by a range of factors, including historical relationships, economic considerations, and political ideology. While there is no consensus on how to handle Brexit, it is clear that the UK's decision to leave the EU has brought about significant changes in the relationship between the UK and its European neighbours.

The response of other EU member states to Brexit has been mixed. Some countries, such as France and Germany, have been more vocal in their opposition to Brexit, while others, such as Ireland and the Netherlands, have been more conciliatory.

Overall, the EU has been keen to ensure that Brexit is carried out in an orderly manner, and that the UK's departure does not have a negative impact on the EU as a whole. However, there is also a sense of disappointment among many EU member states that the UK has chosen to leave the bloc.

Here are some of the key reactions from EU member states:

• France: French President Emmanuel Macron has been one of the most outspoken critics of Brexit. He has said that Brexit is a "historic mistake" and that it will weaken the EU.
• Germany: German Chancellor Angela Merkel has been more cautious in her comments on Brexit. She has said that she respects the UK's decision to leave the EU, but she has also warned that Brexit will have a negative impact on the EU.
• Ireland: Ireland is particularly concerned about the impact of Brexit on the Irish border. The border between Ireland and Northern Ireland is the only land border between the EU and the UK. The Irish government has said that it will not accept any deal that puts a hard border between Ireland and Northern Ireland.
• Netherlands: The Netherlands is one of the most pro-EU countries in the world. Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte has said that he is "very sorry" that the UK has chosen to leave the EU. He has also said that the Netherlands will do everything it can to make Brexit as smooth as possible.

The EU has been working hard to negotiate a Brexit deal with the UK. The deal is still being finalized, but it is expected to be signed in the coming weeks. The deal will set out the terms of the UK's departure from the EU, and it will also lay the groundwork for future relations between the UK and the EU.