Brexit discussions between Merkel and Johnson focus on backstop
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In talks with German Chancellor Merkel, British PM Johnson reiterated a call to renegotiate the UK’s divorce from the EU. Both leaders said they want to avoid a no-deal Brexit, but differ on how to achieve it
Angela Merkel told Boris Johnson on Wednesday she saw “possibilities” to solve the Irish backstop problem and avoid a no-deal Brexit but said it was up to the U.K. to come up with a workable plan.
“I see possibilities, shaping the future relationship to address this point,” said Merkel of the contentious backstop — meant to ensure there is no return to a hard border on the island of Ireland — in the Withdrawal Agreement negotiated between the EU and the U.K. under Johnson’s predecessor, Theresa May.
“We can maybe find it in the next 30 days,” the chancellor said, standing alongside Johnson at a brief press conference before the two leaders held talks over dinner.
POLITICO adds “Despite such hopeful rhetoric, Merkel’s comments indicated she continues to oppose re-opening the Withdrawal Agreement and is sticking to the EU line that any changes should come in the political declaration that sets out the future relationship between Britain and the bloc.”
