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Merkel: Cameron's EU demands are 'justified and necessary' – as it happened Merkel: Cameron's EU demands are 'justified and necessary' – as it happened
(7 months later)
6.10pm GMT6.10pm GMT
18:1018:10
Evening summaryEvening summary
5.52pm GMT5.52pm GMT
17:5217:52
Meanwhile there is a kerfuffle over petrol prices if Britain leaves the EU. FairFuelUK, which lobbies for lower fuel prices, is cross with the AA for “scaremongering” that a two-car family who refuel twice a month would pay £494 more for petrol each year if the UK decamps. Howard Cox, Founder of the FairFuelUK Campaign argues:Meanwhile there is a kerfuffle over petrol prices if Britain leaves the EU. FairFuelUK, which lobbies for lower fuel prices, is cross with the AA for “scaremongering” that a two-car family who refuel twice a month would pay £494 more for petrol each year if the UK decamps. Howard Cox, Founder of the FairFuelUK Campaign argues:
George Osborne “now takes a massive 75% in tax every time we fill up, so you tell our supporters what is actually the biggest factor on pump prices? It isn’t the EU’s influence or over-paid City analysts’ spreadsheet predictions, it’s the government’s colossal and unwarranted fleecing of the motorist!”George Osborne “now takes a massive 75% in tax every time we fill up, so you tell our supporters what is actually the biggest factor on pump prices? It isn’t the EU’s influence or over-paid City analysts’ spreadsheet predictions, it’s the government’s colossal and unwarranted fleecing of the motorist!”
5.39pm GMT5.39pm GMT
17:3917:39
Donald Tusk: 'still no guarantee of agreement'Donald Tusk: 'still no guarantee of agreement'
The president of the European council has written a letter to council members ahead of tomorrow’s crunch summit in Brussels. Here are the key passages and no prizes on guessing on “those seeking to divide us”.The president of the European council has written a letter to council members ahead of tomorrow’s crunch summit in Brussels. Here are the key passages and no prizes on guessing on “those seeking to divide us”.
Tomorrow we will meet in the European Council. It will be a crucial moment for the unity of our Union and for the future of the United Kingdom’s relations within Europe.Tomorrow we will meet in the European Council. It will be a crucial moment for the unity of our Union and for the future of the United Kingdom’s relations within Europe.
After my consultations in the last hours I have to state frankly: there is still no guarantee that we will reach an agreement. We differ on some political issues and I am fully aware that it will be difficult to overcome them. Therefore I urge you to remain constructive.After my consultations in the last hours I have to state frankly: there is still no guarantee that we will reach an agreement. We differ on some political issues and I am fully aware that it will be difficult to overcome them. Therefore I urge you to remain constructive.
The negotiations are very advanced and we must make use of the momentum. There will not be a better time for a compromise. It is our unity that gives us strength and we must not lose this. It would be a defeat both for the UK and the European Union, but a geopolitical victory for those who seek to divide us.The negotiations are very advanced and we must make use of the momentum. There will not be a better time for a compromise. It is our unity that gives us strength and we must not lose this. It would be a defeat both for the UK and the European Union, but a geopolitical victory for those who seek to divide us.
We will work on the basis of the proposal that I put forward on the 2nd of February, with technical and legal clarifications which have been worked out by our Sherpas to be circulated today. But all the political issues will remain open for tomorrow. The objective has been clear from the start: to reach a legally binding and irreversible agreement which addresses UK concerns, while being satisfactory to all. At the same time we will not undermine our fundamental values. It is my goal to do the deal this week.We will work on the basis of the proposal that I put forward on the 2nd of February, with technical and legal clarifications which have been worked out by our Sherpas to be circulated today. But all the political issues will remain open for tomorrow. The objective has been clear from the start: to reach a legally binding and irreversible agreement which addresses UK concerns, while being satisfactory to all. At the same time we will not undermine our fundamental values. It is my goal to do the deal this week.
5.32pm GMT5.32pm GMT
17:3217:32
Frances O’Grady, head of the Trades Union Congress, says the deal has to have something on the table for workers as well as protecting the interests of the City and business. She was speaking after meeting Jean-Claude Juncker, president of the European commission, in Brussels.Frances O’Grady, head of the Trades Union Congress, says the deal has to have something on the table for workers as well as protecting the interests of the City and business. She was speaking after meeting Jean-Claude Juncker, president of the European commission, in Brussels.
People wanted to know “how is it going to make working lives better,” she told BBC News. “There is a real yearning for security in jobs, what it means for me and my family.”People wanted to know “how is it going to make working lives better,” she told BBC News. “There is a real yearning for security in jobs, what it means for me and my family.”
I've told @JunckerEU we need a Europe that works for Britain - now off to see Trade Commissioner @MalmstromEU about #TTIP, #CETA, #TISAI've told @JunckerEU we need a Europe that works for Britain - now off to see Trade Commissioner @MalmstromEU about #TTIP, #CETA, #TISA
5.12pm GMT5.12pm GMT
17:1217:12
Henry McDonaldHenry McDonald
Our Dublin correspondent writes:Our Dublin correspondent writes:
A special Irish cabinet meeting will be held tomorrow morning to discuss Brexit and David Cameron’s bid to win concessions from the EU on Friday in Brussels.A special Irish cabinet meeting will be held tomorrow morning to discuss Brexit and David Cameron’s bid to win concessions from the EU on Friday in Brussels.
Enda Kenny will take time out from campaigning in the Republic’s general election to chair talks on how the Irish government responds to Cameron’s demands.Enda Kenny will take time out from campaigning in the Republic’s general election to chair talks on how the Irish government responds to Cameron’s demands.
Speaking today on the hustings in Co.Offaly in the Irish midlands, Kenny stressed that Ireland wanted the UK to remain inside the EU.Speaking today on the hustings in Co.Offaly in the Irish midlands, Kenny stressed that Ireland wanted the UK to remain inside the EU.
Kenny pointed to the strong trade connections between Britain and Ireland which could be put at risk if the UK left the EU.Kenny pointed to the strong trade connections between Britain and Ireland which could be put at risk if the UK left the EU.
4.22pm GMT4.22pm GMT
16:2216:22
Here is the Guardian’s story on Angela Merkel telling German MPs that Cameron’s demands are “comprehensible and justified”.Here is the Guardian’s story on Angela Merkel telling German MPs that Cameron’s demands are “comprehensible and justified”.
Angela Merkel has said it is in Germany’s national interest for the UK to remain in the European Union, as David Cameron embarked on a round of last-minute diplomacy ahead of a crucial summit on Thursday.Angela Merkel has said it is in Germany’s national interest for the UK to remain in the European Union, as David Cameron embarked on a round of last-minute diplomacy ahead of a crucial summit on Thursday.
Shortly before a summit in Brussels where David Cameron’s reform proposals will be thrashed out, the German chancellor appealed for more sympathy and understanding for the British position.Shortly before a summit in Brussels where David Cameron’s reform proposals will be thrashed out, the German chancellor appealed for more sympathy and understanding for the British position.
Related: UK staying in EU is in Germany's national interest, says Merkel
4.06pm GMT4.06pm GMT
16:0616:06
The BBC has a useful timetable for tonight and the next few days.The BBC has a useful timetable for tonight and the next few days.
A new draft of the whole reform package will be published on the European council website this evening - but contentious points such as welfare curbs and exempting the UK from “ever closer union” will still need to be nailed down at tomorrow’s summit.A new draft of the whole reform package will be published on the European council website this evening - but contentious points such as welfare curbs and exempting the UK from “ever closer union” will still need to be nailed down at tomorrow’s summit.
ThursdayThursday
15:00: EU leaders gather for their regular summit at the European council headquarters in Brussels.15:00: EU leaders gather for their regular summit at the European council headquarters in Brussels.
16:45: First working session on the UK proposed reforms.16:45: First working session on the UK proposed reforms.
19:00: Working dinner on the migration crisis. Talks on the UK deal could resume after dinner and continue late into the night, if there is still no deal.19:00: Working dinner on the migration crisis. Talks on the UK deal could resume after dinner and continue late into the night, if there is still no deal.
FridayFriday
08:00: Discussions will continue if no agreement on the UK demands has been reached on Thursday. If Cameron gets a deal, he will hold an emergency cabinet meeting on Friday evening to reach an agreed position on remaining in the EU, although ministers will be free to campaign against in a personal capacity. The prime minister may announce the date of the referendum.08:00: Discussions will continue if no agreement on the UK demands has been reached on Thursday. If Cameron gets a deal, he will hold an emergency cabinet meeting on Friday evening to reach an agreed position on remaining in the EU, although ministers will be free to campaign against in a personal capacity. The prime minister may announce the date of the referendum.
3.34pm GMT3.34pm GMT
15:3415:34
The French prime minister Manuel Valls has said Britain’s exit from the EU would be “a shock” for Europe but that members could not pick and choose rules that suit them. Here is AFP’s story. (It was Charles de Gaulle who twice said “non” to Britain’s membership, in 1963 and 1967. De Gaulle - who was suspicious of the US - thought Britain would a Trojan horse for the Americans. De Gaulle died in 1970 and Britain joined in 1973 under Edward Heath.)The French prime minister Manuel Valls has said Britain’s exit from the EU would be “a shock” for Europe but that members could not pick and choose rules that suit them. Here is AFP’s story. (It was Charles de Gaulle who twice said “non” to Britain’s membership, in 1963 and 1967. De Gaulle - who was suspicious of the US - thought Britain would a Trojan horse for the Americans. De Gaulle died in 1970 and Britain joined in 1973 under Edward Heath.)
“We believe and we hope” that a deal is possible to keep Britain in the EU, Valls told France’s parliament.“We believe and we hope” that a deal is possible to keep Britain in the EU, Valls told France’s parliament.
“Because the departure of Britain would signify ... a shock for Europe, but more importantly a shock to the way the world sees Europe, which is already in crisis.”“Because the departure of Britain would signify ... a shock for Europe, but more importantly a shock to the way the world sees Europe, which is already in crisis.”
Valls said France would be “particularly vigilant” on the issues of free movement of EU citizens, and relations between countries in the eurozone and others.Valls said France would be “particularly vigilant” on the issues of free movement of EU citizens, and relations between countries in the eurozone and others.
“Europe should be a place of solidarity between states and we cannot choose ‘a la carte’ based on what suits us,” Valls said.“Europe should be a place of solidarity between states and we cannot choose ‘a la carte’ based on what suits us,” Valls said.
“Europe is a whole that we can adapt, but we can’t rework it only according to our particular interests, otherwise a line is crossed.”“Europe is a whole that we can adapt, but we can’t rework it only according to our particular interests, otherwise a line is crossed.”
3.09pm GMT3.09pm GMT
15:0915:09
A French MP has accused Cameron of adopting blackmail tactics worthy of Margaret Thatcher.A French MP has accused Cameron of adopting blackmail tactics worthy of Margaret Thatcher.
Alain Tourret, who represents the Calvados department, made the comments in the French parliament according to the French broadcaster LCP.Alain Tourret, who represents the Calvados department, made the comments in the French parliament according to the French broadcaster LCP.
This will be music to the ears of Cameron as he tries to convince Thatcherite Eurosceptic MPs that he driving a hard bargain.This will be music to the ears of Cameron as he tries to convince Thatcherite Eurosceptic MPs that he driving a hard bargain.
#Brexit - @AlainTourret : "Aujourd’hui, M. Cameron reprend la politique de chantage de Mme Thatcher" #QAG #DirectAN pic.twitter.com/A8PJVx4EtR#Brexit - @AlainTourret : "Aujourd’hui, M. Cameron reprend la politique de chantage de Mme Thatcher" #QAG #DirectAN pic.twitter.com/A8PJVx4EtR
2.49pm GMT2.49pm GMT
14:4914:49
Here’s video of Angela Merkel’s comments to the Bundestag about Britain’s membership of the EU.Here’s video of Angela Merkel’s comments to the Bundestag about Britain’s membership of the EU.
2.36pm GMT2.36pm GMT
14:3614:36
The public lacks confidence in Cameron’s ability to get a good deal in Brussels but still backs staying in the EU, according to a new Ipsos Mori poll.The public lacks confidence in Cameron’s ability to get a good deal in Brussels but still backs staying in the EU, according to a new Ipsos Mori poll.
Despite his efforts to achieve a good deal the public still lack confidence in the prime minister’s ability to do so. One in three say they have confidence in David Cameron (up 3 points) and three in five (62%) have little confidence in him (down 1 point). Conservative supporters are split with half (50%) confident in Cameron achieving a good deal for Britain while 46% say they are not.Despite his efforts to achieve a good deal the public still lack confidence in the prime minister’s ability to do so. One in three say they have confidence in David Cameron (up 3 points) and three in five (62%) have little confidence in him (down 1 point). Conservative supporters are split with half (50%) confident in Cameron achieving a good deal for Britain while 46% say they are not.
2.20pm GMT2.20pm GMT
14:2014:20
AP has fuller write-up of Merkel’s remarks to the Bundestag.AP has fuller write-up of Merkel’s remarks to the Bundestag.
Merkel painted a largely positive picture of chances of an agreement on Britain’s EU reform demands. “Germany will make its contribution so that a result that satisfies everyone can be achieved, if possible already at the summit beginning tomorrow,” she said.Merkel painted a largely positive picture of chances of an agreement on Britain’s EU reform demands. “Germany will make its contribution so that a result that satisfies everyone can be achieved, if possible already at the summit beginning tomorrow,” she said.
“I am convinced that is in our national interest for Great Britain to remain an active member in a strong and successful European Union,” she added.“I am convinced that is in our national interest for Great Britain to remain an active member in a strong and successful European Union,” she added.
Merkel said Britain is an ally for Germany in promoting competitiveness and free trade, and that “Europe needs Great Britain’s foreign and security policy commitment to assert our values and interests in the world.”Merkel said Britain is an ally for Germany in promoting competitiveness and free trade, and that “Europe needs Great Britain’s foreign and security policy commitment to assert our values and interests in the world.”
On migrants, Merkel made clear that she won’t be pushing the contentious subject of new quotas to distribute migrants around Europe. She reiterated that it would be “laughable” for Europe to approve such quotas when it has barely started to share refugees under existing agreements.On migrants, Merkel made clear that she won’t be pushing the contentious subject of new quotas to distribute migrants around Europe. She reiterated that it would be “laughable” for Europe to approve such quotas when it has barely started to share refugees under existing agreements.
“A continent that reacts by sealing (borders) off just behind the maritime border, and says ‘we’re not interested in whoever is behind the fence’ I am convinced that can’t be the European answer,” she said.“A continent that reacts by sealing (borders) off just behind the maritime border, and says ‘we’re not interested in whoever is behind the fence’ I am convinced that can’t be the European answer,” she said.
Despite all the difficulties, Merkel offered an optimistic outlook for this week’s meeting though she said that “the discussion on both issues won’t be ended with the summit.”Despite all the difficulties, Merkel offered an optimistic outlook for this week’s meeting though she said that “the discussion on both issues won’t be ended with the summit.”
The meeting “is a stage on the road that, so far, has made Europe stronger after every crisis,” she said. “And I hope that can be the case this time, too.”The meeting “is a stage on the road that, so far, has made Europe stronger after every crisis,” she said. “And I hope that can be the case this time, too.”
AFP quoted Merkel saying:AFP quoted Merkel saying:
“These are not just about Britain’s individual interests on some issues or questions, rather it’s about several points that are justified and understandable,”“These are not just about Britain’s individual interests on some issues or questions, rather it’s about several points that are justified and understandable,”
“Like David Cameron, I believe that it is necessary for the EU to improve our competitiveness, transparency and (reduce) bureaucracy. Germany has shared these concerns for many years.”“Like David Cameron, I believe that it is necessary for the EU to improve our competitiveness, transparency and (reduce) bureaucracy. Germany has shared these concerns for many years.”
Even the controversial proposal to curb benefits to European Union migrants in Britain is “justified and understandable because the jurisdiction for each respective social system lies not in Brussels but in each individual member state,” she said.Even the controversial proposal to curb benefits to European Union migrants in Britain is “justified and understandable because the jurisdiction for each respective social system lies not in Brussels but in each individual member state,” she said.
“Therefore, it is only natural for every member state to be able to protect its social system against abuse.”“Therefore, it is only natural for every member state to be able to protect its social system against abuse.”
“I share with David Cameron the view that member states that use a currency other than the euro should not be ignored in important questions,” she said.“I share with David Cameron the view that member states that use a currency other than the euro should not be ignored in important questions,” she said.
“Our aim must be to prevent discrimination while at the same time allowing for a differentiation when necessary,” Merkel said.“Our aim must be to prevent discrimination while at the same time allowing for a differentiation when necessary,” Merkel said.
She added that this principle was compatible with the fact that the eurozone will “continue and is in fact taking the necessary decisions for itself”.She added that this principle was compatible with the fact that the eurozone will “continue and is in fact taking the necessary decisions for itself”.
The German leader’s position appeared to run counter to France’s, which had made it clear that EU states that do not share the euro should not have any power to stop the eurozone from seeking deeper integration.The German leader’s position appeared to run counter to France’s, which had made it clear that EU states that do not share the euro should not have any power to stop the eurozone from seeking deeper integration.
UpdatedUpdated
at 4.12pm GMTat 4.12pm GMT
2.00pm GMT2.00pm GMT
14:0014:00
Tory Eurosceptic MP, John Baron, accused Cameron of “poor” communications with his own backbenchers on the EU negotiation after failing to secure a meeting with the prime minister over his doubts about the deal.Tory Eurosceptic MP, John Baron, accused Cameron of “poor” communications with his own backbenchers on the EU negotiation after failing to secure a meeting with the prime minister over his doubts about the deal.
Speaking on the BBC Radio 4’s World at One programme Barron said: “I think the communication between Number 10 and the backbenchers has been poor. A number of us clubbed together and said ‘could we have a meeting’ - 40 MPs signed my letter suggesting it would be good to get together and just air these views. We have been unsuccessful in obtaining that meeting. Boris Johnson apparently has. I wish him well.”Speaking on the BBC Radio 4’s World at One programme Barron said: “I think the communication between Number 10 and the backbenchers has been poor. A number of us clubbed together and said ‘could we have a meeting’ - 40 MPs signed my letter suggesting it would be good to get together and just air these views. We have been unsuccessful in obtaining that meeting. Boris Johnson apparently has. I wish him well.”
His comments come as Cameron is said to have set aside today to convincing Eurosceptics of the merits of the deal.His comments come as Cameron is said to have set aside today to convincing Eurosceptics of the merits of the deal.
Baron said the proposed emergency break on benefits was a being “controlled by the EU backseat driver”. Mixing his metaphors he added: “It doesn’t solve anything, in many respects it’s a smokescreen.”Baron said the proposed emergency break on benefits was a being “controlled by the EU backseat driver”. Mixing his metaphors he added: “It doesn’t solve anything, in many respects it’s a smokescreen.”
Baron added: “That is the choice facing the British people in this referendum: leave or stay on this conveyor belt towards ever closer union, if we do not address this opportunity to address the issue of parliamentary sovereignty once and for all ...Baron added: “That is the choice facing the British people in this referendum: leave or stay on this conveyor belt towards ever closer union, if we do not address this opportunity to address the issue of parliamentary sovereignty once and for all ...
“If we could have that guarantee about the supremacy of parliamentary sovereignty, so we can control our borders, that we can control our laws and our regulations then I might be persuadable. But nothing is on the table yet to make me change my mind.”“If we could have that guarantee about the supremacy of parliamentary sovereignty, so we can control our borders, that we can control our laws and our regulations then I might be persuadable. But nothing is on the table yet to make me change my mind.”
1.23pm GMT1.23pm GMT
13:2313:23
Merkel delivered a powerful message of support for David Cameron’s EU reform plans, according to the FT’s Berlin correspondent Stefan Wagstyl.Merkel delivered a powerful message of support for David Cameron’s EU reform plans, according to the FT’s Berlin correspondent Stefan Wagstyl.
On ever-closer union, she said it should always be “possible for further integration” to take place but there was no “obligation for every country to join every step”. She also backed Cameron’s proposals to boost the role of national parliaments.On ever-closer union, she said it should always be “possible for further integration” to take place but there was no “obligation for every country to join every step”. She also backed Cameron’s proposals to boost the role of national parliaments.
“I think it’s in our national interest that Great Britain should remain an active member in a strong and successful EU,” she said, adding that Germany and the UK had common views on boosting the union’s competitiveness.“I think it’s in our national interest that Great Britain should remain an active member in a strong and successful EU,” she said, adding that Germany and the UK had common views on boosting the union’s competitiveness.
Merkel said relations between eurozone and non-eurozone countries should be managed in a way that “avoided discrimination” by the eurozone of non-eurozone states but the eurozone had to able to “make its own decisions for itself,” for example on further reforms.Merkel said relations between eurozone and non-eurozone countries should be managed in a way that “avoided discrimination” by the eurozone of non-eurozone states but the eurozone had to able to “make its own decisions for itself,” for example on further reforms.
1.13pm GMT1.13pm GMT
13:1313:13
Nicholas WattNicholas Watt
Boris Johnson told David Cameron that more was needed to win his support in the referendum campaign, writes Nicholas Watt.Boris Johnson told David Cameron that more was needed to win his support in the referendum campaign, writes Nicholas Watt.
Nothing had changed, the mayor is said to have remarked and reportedly added that more was needed.Nothing had changed, the mayor is said to have remarked and reportedly added that more was needed.
A source close to the mayor said he would live up to his commitment to outline his position on the EU “with deafening eclat” on Friday if the prime minister secures a deal at the EU summit, which opens in Brussels on Thursday afternoon. The source said: “The mayor will make everything abundantly clear by the end of the week if the prime minister gets a deal on Friday. He is genuinely undecided.”A source close to the mayor said he would live up to his commitment to outline his position on the EU “with deafening eclat” on Friday if the prime minister secures a deal at the EU summit, which opens in Brussels on Thursday afternoon. The source said: “The mayor will make everything abundantly clear by the end of the week if the prime minister gets a deal on Friday. He is genuinely undecided.”
Johnson told Cameron more work was necessary on his plan to assert parliament’s sovereignty. Oliver Letwin, the prime minister’s policy chief, has been tasked with outlining measures to deliver on his pledge to put that issue “beyond doubt”.Johnson told Cameron more work was necessary on his plan to assert parliament’s sovereignty. Oliver Letwin, the prime minister’s policy chief, has been tasked with outlining measures to deliver on his pledge to put that issue “beyond doubt”.
Cameron’s vow in the Commons earlier this month came after Johnson asked him to explain how his EU reforms would “assert the sovereignty of this House of Commons and these Houses of Parliament”. Cameron replied: “I am keen to do even more to put it beyond doubt that this House of Commons is sovereign. We will look to do that at the same time as concluding these negotiations.”Cameron’s vow in the Commons earlier this month came after Johnson asked him to explain how his EU reforms would “assert the sovereignty of this House of Commons and these Houses of Parliament”. Cameron replied: “I am keen to do even more to put it beyond doubt that this House of Commons is sovereign. We will look to do that at the same time as concluding these negotiations.”
Letwin is understood to be examining two ways to deliver on this pledge:Letwin is understood to be examining two ways to deliver on this pledge:
Johnson’s talks with the prime minister mainly focused on the sovereignty of parliament because that is a matter that rests entirely with the UK government and is not part of the EU negotiations. But Downing Street believes it has to chart a careful course to win over Johnson without alarming EU leaders who may fear that Britain is seeking to overturn one of the key principles of the EU – the primacy of EU law.Johnson’s talks with the prime minister mainly focused on the sovereignty of parliament because that is a matter that rests entirely with the UK government and is not part of the EU negotiations. But Downing Street believes it has to chart a careful course to win over Johnson without alarming EU leaders who may fear that Britain is seeking to overturn one of the key principles of the EU – the primacy of EU law.
The London mayor also asked the prime minister about the state of the negotiations on restricting in-work benefits, asserting the role of national parliaments, giving Britain an opt-out from the EU’s commitment to ever closer union and promoting competitiveness. But the EU negotiation package was not the main part of their discussions because the mayor accepts that he can bring the greatest influence to bear on asserting the sovereignty of parliament.The London mayor also asked the prime minister about the state of the negotiations on restricting in-work benefits, asserting the role of national parliaments, giving Britain an opt-out from the EU’s commitment to ever closer union and promoting competitiveness. But the EU negotiation package was not the main part of their discussions because the mayor accepts that he can bring the greatest influence to bear on asserting the sovereignty of parliament.
Related: Boris Johnson tells Cameron he must do more to win his support
1.09pm GMT1.09pm GMT
13:0913:09
In further backing for Cameron, Merkel said every member state must be able to protect its welfare system.In further backing for Cameron, Merkel said every member state must be able to protect its welfare system.
#Merkel: "Goes w/out saying that each MS must be able to protect its social system. Not a disagreement point betwn Britain & Germany." #EUCO#Merkel: "Goes w/out saying that each MS must be able to protect its social system. Not a disagreement point betwn Britain & Germany." #EUCO