"So far, we’ve only ever had countries that wanted to accede the European Union but now, for the first time, we have a country that wishes to leave.

"That, of course, is a very great issue. We will have to accept that and we will do everything we can to have a good neighbourly relationship, in the spirit of partnership, with the United Kingdom."

During her speech, Germany’s leader also called on the international community to commit to fighting the impact of climate change as she warned the “price of inaction is far greater than action.”

But despite the demands from Chancellor Merkel for the EU to be more ambitious, the European Commission already faced criticism for their lacklustre approach to the so-called “conference of the future of Europe.”
Angela Merkel admitted Brexit is a "great" issue for the European Union as she demanded Brussels develop a "stronger" influence in the years to come. Speaking at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos Chancellor Merkel insisted the bloc must "do more" in regards to development and climate change as she unveiled Germany's programme for their presidency of the European Union. Mrs Merkel said: "If it wishes to live up to its aspirations and ambitions as Ursula von der Leyen has underlined, Europe needs to speak with a clearer and stronger voice.

The German Chancellor conceded the departure of the United Kingdom from the bloc will mark a "substantial" change to the Brussels structure but insisted the bloc will work on establishing "a good neighbourly relationship" with Britain during trade talks.

She continued: "Germany is part of the European Union. We will have the presidency of the European Union in the second half of this year, on January 31 the European Union will change substantially.