“The European Council will make important decisions today on curbing illegal immigration, promoting the information society, and maintaining European unity in foreign policy. But most of the attention will be on Brexit," spokespeople for the government quoted Rõivas.

The prime minister said that it was Europe that needed to keep calm and carry on, adding that Estonia would be open and constructive about the UK’s future relations with the EU. Europe couldn't remain in shock, but needed to keep calm and move forward, Rõivas stressed.

Negotiations with the UK should not be about getting back at them, he said. “The UK will always remain an important European country politically, economically, and in terms of security,” he said, and added that close EU-NATO cooperation and Western unity had become even more important as a result of the referendum.

Although the agreement reached with Britain in February would not take effect now, it should be kept in mind that many of the issues in that agreement remained important, with or without the UK, Rõivas said. “Talks on single market, trade, and free movement must continue amongst European leaders,” he added.