EU will be able to overcome Brexit: Austrian president

Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen believes the European Union will be able to overcome Brexit - File photo: Daily Express

In his address at the opening of the four-day political symposium at the forum, Van der Bellen said he is convinced the EU "will not fall apart" as a result of the UK departure from the project, and argued that it has in fact strengthened the remaining EU-27 countries.

He warned of the risks involved if a Brexit deal is unable to be struck, and said economically this would amount to a "worst-case scenario" for the UK.

EU countries for their part would be preparing to avoid a similar outcome, he said.

Despite this, the president said he hopes a solution can be found between Britain and Europe, and said the issue is one of many where the EU needs to show resilience in overcoming challenges.