EU top diplomat: the world needs the EU in global affairs
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}WITH STORY BRITAIN EU FUTURE - In this Nov. 20, 2012 file photo, a bird flies in front of a giant banner for the euro currency in front of EU headquarters in Brussels. Issues such as migration, economic stagnation and terror attacks could weigh heavily on voters minds when they go to the polls to cast their ballot during the In-Out EU referendum which takes place on June 23, 2016. (AP Photo/Virginia Mayo, File) (The Associated Press)
A top EU official says "the world needs the European Union," in a remark seen directed at Britain ahead of next week's vote on whether to stay in the 28-member bloc.
EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini has been declining to comment on the referendum, with polls suggesting the June 23 vote could go either way.
During Tuesday's opening of a two-day conference in the Norwegian capital on conflict mediation, Mogherini said the EU internationally is "strong voice for peace on our global stage," describing it as "a strong and honest broker in regional dynamics."
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Mogherini said "the world needs also this kind of European Union," adding "it is sad to me to see that some European citizens have to be reminded of that from the outside."