Brexit
Chancellor Angela Merkel has welcomed the fact that the Brexit negotiators have agreed on a draft withdrawal agreement. This is, in particular, in the best interests of the citizens and companies affected. European Council President Donald Tusk has now issued invitations to a special European Council Brexit summit on 25 November.
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The agreement must be approved by the European Parliament, the European Council and the UK Parliament
Photo: Colourbox
Following a Cabinet retreat in Potsdam, Angela Merkel said, "With respect to Brexit, I am very happy that it has proved possible in long and not always easy negotiations to produce this draft."
She also said that she would not be in favour of further negotiations between the EU and the United Kingdom. A document is on the table that has been agreed by the EU and the UK. There is thus no question of further negotiations at this time, she said.
The draft agreement will now be analysed in the UK and in the other EU member states and will be discussed with the German Bundestag, reported Angela Merkel. Federal Finance Minister Olaf Scholz stressed that he still very much regrets the decision of the British side to leave the EU. "Nevertheless, all we can do is reiterate to all sides that the worst that can happen is a cliff-edge scenario. That is bad for citizens and bad for business."
Where we go from here
The European Commission has informed member states about a draft withdrawal agreement. The German government will now look at the output in detail. Within the next week, consultations among the EU-27 about the text will resume in Brussels, announced European Council President Donald Tusk and the EU’s chief negotiator Michel Barnier.
Remarks by European Council President Donald Tusk after his meeting with Brexit EU Chief negotiator Michel Barnier, 15 November 2018
One thing is clear: the further process to finalise a withdrawal agreement must be swift, to ensure it can be ratified within the two-year deadline laid down by the EU Treaty. Time is still very much of the essence.
How will the agreement be ratified?
The withdrawal agreement must be accepted by the European Parliament and the European Council (of the 27 remaining member states) with a qualified majority. And of course, it must be accepted by the UK parliament. The German Bundestag will be kept informed but is not required to approve the agreement.
Close relations with the UK to be maintained
Naturally, Germany is interested in maintaining a close partnership with the United Kingdom in future. The German government, the other 26 member states, and the EU institutions all agree on this point. The UK’s decision to withdraw from the EU will, of course, have impacts on its relationship with the EU in future.