Post-Brexit Europe divided: Shock and champagne

Post-Brexit Europe divided: Shock and champagne

"When a major member wants to leave the EU big changes happen. The outcome of the referendum is definitely an earthquake. Many things will have to change, and the pace and scope of these changes must be huge," Kurz said.

According to him, the EU must solve its key problems, "such as the migration issue," and also "discuss" its institutions.

Kurz, who appealed on EU reform work to proceed "calmly" did not rule out the possibility of a domino effect involving other EU countries.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban reacted by saying that the British referendum showed Brussels must listen to the voice of the people, and provide valid answers to key questions, such as immigration.

"It (immigration) was a decisive issue in the UK's debate. How they can keep their island, how they can remain who they are, how they can defend themselves against migrants and immigration, and whether they are satisfied with Brussels' policies on that matter and the defense it delivers," Orban told state radio in a regular interview.

Leader of the right-wing Dutch Party of Freedom Geert Wilders wants his country to hold a referendum on EU membership, and says he will call one if elected as prime minister next March.

"Hurrah for the British! Now it is our turn. Time for a Dutch referendum!," Wilders said on Twitter. The Dutch media are reporting that currently 54 percent of citizens want a referendum to be organized.

EU Parliament President Martin Schulz told ZDF that Britain's decision to leave the EU will not trigger similar decisions in other member states, and that he expects Britain's negotiations to leave to begin soon. "I am not shocked. We were prepared," Deutsche Welle quoted him as saying.

French government ministers met on Friday morning for an emergency meeting chaired by French President Francois Hollande to discuss the response to the British vote, and "the future of Europe."

Hollande has not publicly comment on the result of the referendum.

Previously, leader of France's right-wing National Front party Marine Le Pen said that France should also organize a referendum on EU membership.

European Council President Donald Tusk said he was convinced the EU "has a future" and that he was remembering "what his father used to tell him" - namely, "what doesn't kill you makes you stronger."

"Today on behalf of the 27 leaders, I can say that we are determined to keep our unity as 27. It is a historic moment but for sure not a moment for hysterical reactions," said Tusk, AFP reported.

Meanwhile in Berlin, German Vice-Chancellor and SPD leader Sigmar Gabriel said, "This is a bad day for Europe."