British vote to influence Brexit talks, not call into question its calendar: EU official

PARIS - Pierre Moscovici, EU Economic and Financial Affairs Commissioner, said on Friday that British vote's results would impact "the spirit" of Brexit negotiations, but it would not call into question its timetable.

In an interview with the local broadcaster Europe 1, Moscovici said "the calendar of Brexit is not optional."

"(This result) will not be without impact, undoubtedly, on the spirit of the negotiations, but it doesn't call into question the start of the negotiation itself," former French economy minister added.

Asked whether talks could open as soon as scheduled for June 19, EU Commissioner said "Let's not rush things but either way, we are ready."

"Mrs May, who was supposed to emerge strengthened, lost her bet and is therefore in a less than clear situation because the truth is that we don't really know what the governing situation is," he added.

As British Prime Minister Theresa May gambled her political future on calling a snap general election seven weeks ago to have a strengthened stance in Brexit negotiations, results from Thursday's election show that her party can not form a majority government.