Germany’s Merkel Hints at a ‘Creative’ Brexit Compromise, According to Reuters

By Andreas Rinke

TOKYO (Reuters) – German Chancellor Angela Merkel proposed a solution on Monday to resolve the impasse regarding the United Kingdom’s departure from the European Union. She emphasized the need for a "creative" compromise to address concerns surrounding the future arrangements for the Irish border.

With only 53 days remaining until the UK is scheduled to leave the EU, Prime Minister Theresa May is seeking last-minute adjustments to a divorce agreement that was finalized with the EU last November. These changes aim to secure support from lawmakers in the British parliament.

May is in pursuit of legally binding amendments to the deal that would replace the Northern Irish backstop, which was designed to prevent the re-establishment of a hard border between EU-member Ireland and Northern Ireland.

Despite her reluctance to renegotiate the Withdrawal Agreement itself, Merkel indicated that difficult issues could potentially be resolved through innovative dialogue. This marked her strongest suggestion yet that as a leading figure in the EU, she might be open to finding a middle ground.

"There are definitely options for preserving the integrity of the single market even when Northern Ireland isn’t part of it because it is part of Britain, while at the same time addressing the desire to avoid border controls," Merkel stated.

She added, "To resolve this issue, creativity and open communication are essential. Such discussions can and must take place," during a news conference with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in Tokyo.

Merkel implied that discussions surrounding the Irish backstop could potentially be reconciled as part of a broader conversation about a future agreement between the EU and the UK, potentially providing May with a pathway to overcome the current stalemate.

Merkel’s position on Brexit is largely influenced by a desire to maintain the integrity of the EU and its internal market, both of which are critical to Germany’s post-war identity and prosperity, while also aiming to keep Britain closely aligned with the bloc post-exit.

To avoid the economic turmoil that a no-deal Brexit could inflict on Germany’s economy— which has already experienced a significant slowdown— Merkel values the UK’s partnership and its security capabilities.

"We still have time to possibly reach an agreement if everyone shows goodwill," Merkel asserted.

POTENTIAL FOR A LAST-MINUTE DEAL?

As the UK’s complex crisis over EU membership nears its conclusion, several options remain on the table, including a no-deal Brexit, a last-minute agreement, early elections, or a delay.

May has indicated her intention to find a pragmatic solution in her efforts to reopen negotiations with Brussels, though many Brexit-supporting members of her Conservative Party have warned they will oppose her deal unless substantial modifications are made.

In Brussels, some British lawmakers met with the head of the EU civil service. During this meeting, Martin Selmayr appeared to suggest that the EU might consider additional legal conditions.

While Selmayr reinforced the EU’s stance of not reopening the withdrawal agreement, Labour lawmaker Hilary Benn noted, "I got the impression that they might be prepared to consider some additional statement or legal protocol."

However, Selmayr quickly clarified on social media that, "On the EU side, nobody is considering this."

Selmayr mentioned that the lawmakers provided "inconclusive" responses when he inquired whether any EU assurances could assist May in garnering support for her agreement.

As the official responsible for preparing the EU’s response in the event of a disordered withdrawal by the UK, Selmayr’s engagement with the lawmakers has led some British commentators to perceive a firmer stance from Brussels compared to that of Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier, a former French minister.