EU's new chief says Brexit 'shock' has 'strengthened bloc's unity' The "shock" of Brexit has brought the rest of the bloc closer together, incoming European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen says.\\n\\nThe turbulent Brexit process has reminded many "who have their doubts about the EU" of the benefits of being in the club, she said in Berlin.\\n\\nIn a wide-ranging speech on the eve of the 30th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall, the former German defence minister said the bloc had shown it could grow stronger in times of crisis.\\n\\n"As paradoxical as it sounds, the shock of Brexit has strengthened our unity," she said.\\n\\n"Because it has not only shown what it means to leave the EU, but also how much each country stands to gain as part of the European Union." IMAGES AND SOUNDBITES