German Chancellor Angela Merkel: Greek deal still possible – and EU must engage seriously with UK on Brexit
German Chancellor Angela Merkel struck a conciliatory tone on the UK's plans to renegotiate its relationship with the EU, saying the bloc must "engage seriously" with the UK's demands.
During a speech to the German parliament today, Merkel said she wanted the UK to remain a "strong, active" partner with the European Union.
"It's about reforms in return for solidarity," she added.
In a speech which focused largely on Greece, Merkel added that a deal between the troubled country and its creditors "is still possible… if those in charge in Greece can muster the will".
"I'm still convinced: Where there's a will, there's a way," she added.
Her speech comes as European finance ministers meet in Luxembourg for another day of reckoning in the five-month stand-off between Greece and its creditors.
The outline isn't optimistic: earlier, Greek finance minister Yanis Varoufakis said he did not expect to reach a deal which would unlock the €7.2bn (£5.2bn) of bailout funds it desperately needs in order to make interest payments to its creditors.
Eurogroup boss Jeroen Dijsselbloem has also admitted the outcome is likely to be negative, saying the chances of reaching an accord are "very small".
This morning Euclid Tsakalotos, one of Greece's negotiators, admitted the country will not have the funds to pay the International Monetary Fund the €1.6bn due on 30 June.
"There is no financing… so obviously we won't be able to pay that," he said.