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The UK’s decision to leave the European Union (EU) was “stupid” and only the will of the British people can stop it, said Martin Selmayr, the Chief of the cabinet of European Commission President (EC) Jean-Claude Juncker.

“Brexit is a bad thing and that was a stupid decision:, said Martin Selmayr. “The only one who can turn the situation around are the British people, and I am not a dreamer, but a realist. Brexit will take place on March 29, 2019”, added he.

Martin Selmayr, one of the most senior people in the EU hierarchy, spoke two days after the EU negotiator for Brexit Michel Barnier said that the British citizens should know the price they would pay for their decision. Britain and the EU are embarking on increasingly difficult negotiations on the conditions for the country’s exit from the EU. The British Government refuses to accept that there are financial obligations beyond the regular annual membership fees, and in return the EU has refused to open negotiations for a future trade agreement.

Martin Selmayr said that although it is legally possible for Britain to reverse its decision, it would be arrogant to say that the EU could push this to happen.

“The door of the European Union after March 2019 will always be open”, said the Chief of the cabinet of European Commission President (EC). “But this option is not at the table at the moment”, added he.

Although he does not have a direct role in the talks, Selmayr commented sporadically on Brexit after the 2016 referendum. In his words, divorce would not be a success for the UK.

And while time is ticking, complicated issues such as the transition plan are still out of reach, and the country will leave the bloc after 19 months, whether it has managed to conclude a deal or not.

