(ANSA) - BRUSSELS - European leaders want to find a legally binding solution to proceed with the ratification of the free trade agreement (FTA).

This statement was written in the conclusions of the first day of the European Council, during which the Prime Minister of the Netherlands, Mark Rutte, presented to his counterparts the outcome of the referendum on the Free Agreement with Ukraine held in his country and the''concerns expressed in the debate that preceded the vote''.

In April, 61.1% of the voters in the Netherlands rejected, through a referendum, to ratify the agreement. ''The European Council invites the Council to seek a solution to address these concerns as soon as possible'', the text continues. ''The leaders have agreed to do their best to find a legally binding solution that would allow the prime minister Rutte to proceed with ratification'' said European Council president Donald Tusk.

''I don't yet know the solution we are going to find, but it may envisage a change of the text, or not'' Rutte assured ''but, as I explained to my counterparts, I cannot say that we will not sign''.