German chancellor calls for a “strong and successful Europe”
During her recent fleeting visit to London, Angela Merkel confirmed Germany will ‘work together’ with Britain on migration issues, but that freedom of movement must remain.
The prime minister’s talks with the German chancellor in Downing Street were set to cover a number of issues including the UK’s aims for a reformed European Union (EU). Whilst David Cameron has said he essentially supports freedom of movement, he is calling for curbs on EU welfare payments as well as advocating the need for migrants to have a job offer before coming to the UK.
The chancellor declined to comment on whether she would support or oppose any of the changes being sought by Mr Cameron, although she did accept there was a need to tackle “abuse” of the existing European rules. Whether this recognition translates into Europe’s most powerful leader sharing Mr Cameron’s vision for the creation of a new EU Treaty remains to be seen.