European Council President Donald Tusk said here Thursday the European Union (EU) would no doubt survive if Britain were to exit from the 28-member bloc, but the price would be high.

Tusk said preparations had been made for the alternative, but he was unwilling to provide any concrete details as to what actions the EU would take.

Tusk talked to journalists at a joint press conference with Finnish Prime Minister Juha Sipila. Later on Thursday he also met with Finnish President Sauli Niinisto.

Referring to the recent opinion polls carried out in the UK, Tusk said it was "not easy to be optimistic" the vote would be to remain in the EU, but the view of the UK people must be respected.

Tusk said that besides the economic impact, political and geopolitical repercussions would be unpredictable at a time when there is a major need for unity.

Tusk said European history had shown that unity means strength. He defined an exit of the UK as a danger for both Britain and the whole western community. Endit

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