BERLIN (Sputnik) – German Chancellor Angela Merkel would prefer the United Kingdom to remain an active partner of Germany within the framework of the European Union, she said Thursday addressing the parliament.
UK Prime Minister David Cameron promised to hold a referendum by the end of 2017 on whether the United Kingdom would remain within the union.
“When we talk about strengthening of competitiveness in the European Union, the United Kingdom is our natural ally. This is one but not the only reason why I would like to keep Britain as an active partner in the strong European Union,” Merkel said.
Germany is planning to commission European Council President Donald Tusk with observing the process of British negotiations with EU officials, she added.
Cameron wants Britain to remain in the 28-nation bloc, but on renegotiated terms, including a reformed system of contributions to the EU budget.
