Mr Verhofstadt said: “Whatever happens next, these younger generations will decide on their future for themselves. At some point, one way or another, they will find their way back to the European family.
“As from our side, all we can do in the meantime is try to find least-bad options to make the new relationship work. And I for one will always plead for the European Union to keep its arms and mind open for friends across the Channel, for instance by keeping Erasmus and other exchange programmes open for young Britons.
“This relationship was never easy, but there was always – and will always be – a lot of heart and mind in it. As a democrat and an optimist, I still believe these will win out in the end.”