ROME: Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi said on Friday the European Union is like a house in need of re**vation, adding his voice to calls for change in the wake of Britain’s vote to leave.
"Europe is our house, the house of our children and our grandchildren. We k**w that the house needs to be re**vated, perhaps freshened up, but that it will still be our house tomorrow," the centre-left premier said in a statement at his official residence in Rome.
Speaking as leader of one of the six EU founder states, Renzi admitted it was "**t an easy day" but said Europe’s history had demonstrated its ability to overcome challenges.
"The British people have made their choice. We respect their decision and **w we have to turn the page," he said. "The world has great need of the European Union." I am here to tell you that Italy will play its part on the journey that is **w beginning.