Merkel warns against British 'illusions' as Brexit negotiations begin

[nitpicker]

http://www.dw.com/en/merkel-warns-against-british-illusions-as-brexit-negotiations-begin/a-38606210

Merkel warns against British 'illusions' as Brexit negotiations begin

In an address to the Bundestag, German Chancellor Angela Merkel talked tough ahead of Saturday's EU-27 summit on Brexit. The UK, she said, would not be as well positioned as EU member states.

Ahead of a meeting of the 27 remaining European Union nations in Brussels on Saturday, Chancellor Angela Merkel briefed the German parliament, the Bundestag, about Germany's strategy vis-a-vis Brexit. But at least in part her message was aimed across the English Channel. The chancellor warned London not to expect a deal that would privilege the UK. "A third-party state cannot enjoy the same advantages or be better positioned than an EU member state," Merkel said. "I have the feeling that some people in Britain maintain illusions in this regard. They're wasting their time."

That line drew applause from members of the Bundestag. Merkel reiterated that negotiators would have to resolve the details of Britain's exit from the EU, including financial obligations that could extend beyond Britain's departure, before any deals could be struck about a future English-EU relationship. "These steps must happen in that order," Merkel said. "Our goal is to get the best deal for Europe and its citizens." Merkel added that negotiations could only commence in earnest after the United Kingdom's parliamentary election on June 8.

Not all of Merkel's remarks focused on the potential conflicts of interest between the EU and the UK. The chancellor also said that Germany and the EU had an interest in a strong and prosperous Britain.

She said one of her priorities was to clear up the future status of the approximately 100,000 German citizens permanently living in Britain. In return, Germany and the EU were prepared to offer British expatriates in the bloc a "fair deal." Merkel also expressed confidence that the EU and post-Brexit Britain shared interests in businesses being able to sell their products to the other and fighting against terrorism and organized crime.
(snip)

[WinkyDink]

1. Angela Merkel needs to keep her nose in her own trough, as an old saying

goes.

[brush]

2. Merkel sounds about right. Elections have consequences. Britian will learn just as we have.

[WinkyDink]

3. I maintain my opinion. It isn't as though Deutschland is without problems. And she is not the POTEU.

Moreover, I remember a time before the EU; do you? Borders, currencies, sovereignty---same as what the United States has.

[brush]

4. What does that have to do with anything? Because of Brexit, Britain will not and should not...

Last edited Thu Apr 27, 2017, 09:10 AM - Edit history (1)

expect the trade advantages that EU member nations have with each other.

Unfortunately the UK voted to leave so there will be changes that will not be the most favorable to the UK.

What did they think was going to happen, everything was going to go on just as before?

[WinkyDink]

5. "What does that have to do with anything?" I am still on the original topic, which is "Merkel

warns...."

But to the larger point you are making, re: Economics. Perhaps to the majority (albeit slim) of Britons, sovereignty and autonomy are more significant. This is the UK that remembers its history of coming to the Continent's aid more than once.

And maybe their Pride WILL cometh before their Fall. But I suggest that it does not behoove any German to "warn" any Englishman about anything.

[brush]

6. You look at as a German warning an Englishman when it's really the EU advising the UK...

not to expect things to remain the same.

Unfortunately most in the UK didn't take the Brexit vote seriously enough now the country is on it's own.

Doesn't seem like the smart move but time will tell.