Renzi says EU our home, needs renovating (3)

(ANSA) - Rome, June 24 - Premier Matteo Renzi said Friday that Italian remained committed to the European Union after Britain voted to leave the bloc, but stressed that the EU needed reform. "Europe is our home, the home of our children and grandchildren," Renzi told a news conference at the premier's office in Rome. "We say this more than ever, convinced that the home needs renovating, perhaps freshened up, but it's our home of tomorrow". Renzi said Friday that he respected Britain's vote to leave the EU, adding that the bloc now had to move on. "The British people have chosen," he said. "We respect the decision. Now the page turns".
    He also pledged that the vote will not cause instability across the continent. "I'm here to say that Italy will do its bit the path ahead," he said. "The government and the EU institutions are in the condition to guarantee financial stability and consumer security with every means".
    Renzi said that Italy can act as a pillar of solidity as the European Union tries to get to grips with Britain's exit. "Italy is solid again," Renzi said. "Our country has the duty to offer this solidity to the other European partners and we are committed to doing this from tomorrow". Renzi confirmed that he will meet French President Francois Hollande and German Chancellor Angela Merkel in Berlin on Monday to discuss the implications. "Today is an unprecedented day, not an easy day. But Europe has shown over its history that it is stronger than any and every difficulty".