Merkel Warns Britain Against ‘Illusions’ About Post-‘Brexit’ Ties
By ALISON SMALEAPRIL 27, 2017
BERLIN — Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany warned Britain on Thursday not to harbor "illusions"
that it can negotiate a deal on future relations with the European Union while simultaneously negotiating its departure from the bloc.
She did not mention the May 7 presidential runoff election in France, though she and other European leaders have made clear
that they back the independent centrist candidate Emmanuel Macron, a pro-European Union former banker and economy minister, over the far-right populist and nationalist politician Marine Le Pen, who has threatened to try to pull France out of the European Union and the euro currency.
In reality, however, talks between Britain and Europe might not become seriously detailed until Germany holds its own elections — in which Ms. Merkel
and her Christian Democratic Union will seek a fourth mandate from voters — in late September.
"That would be a waste of time." Ms. Merkel was not more specific,
but as a leader known for choosing her words carefully, her warning about the high costs of leaving Europe could be interpreted as a subtle message for voters in France, Britain and Germany itself.
European Union said that We can thus assume that the council of the 27 will send a strong signal of unity.
On Saturday, leaders of the 27 countries that will remain in the European Union after
Britain leaves are scheduled to discuss their negotiating position with Britain.