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As I leave London again after an intense day of 🇬🇧 🇩🇪British German discussions at yesterday's #Koenigswinter conference in London, it is time for some reflections. Here is a first cut as a tweetstorm. @JensZSPD @GermanEmbassy @AnnelieseDodds @UKinGermany /1
First of all, though, a round of heartfelt thanks to those who organised it! On the British side that is @DLidington and his team, who not only dealt with a postponed conference, but also managed to host the conference in the splendor of #LancasterHouse! /2
On the German side Thomas Matussek and Mari Mittelhaus @debrige_berlin ran things smoothly for the excellent group of participants they put together. Many thanks! /3
Today will be the 70th #Königswinter Conference, the annual British-German exchange that brings together great people from the respective governments, parliaments, industries and academia.
It is also a good time to reflect on British-German relations four years into #Brexit.
It is also a good time to reflect on British-German relations four years into #Brexit.
The good: Foreign and Security Policy has been mostly shielded from Brexit, even during the most difficult negotiations.
The E3 cooperation is going strong, and Germany and the UK continue to cooperate closely in other international fora such as the G7 or the UN.
The E3 cooperation is going strong, and Germany and the UK continue to cooperate closely in other international fora such as the G7 or the UN.
The bad: From a German perspective, the EU was the most important framework to engage with the UK.
Trade has already suffered, even before the UK has left the transition period.
On many issues the UK is now not in the arena most relevant for German economic policy.
Trade has already suffered, even before the UK has left the transition period.
On many issues the UK is now not in the arena most relevant for German economic policy.
Back in Berlin from this year's British-German #Königswinter Conference.
The best summary was incidentally provided by a border guard at Heathrow, who said to me upon seeing my destination:
"Please tell your friends we are still European". /1
The best summary was incidentally provided by a border guard at Heathrow, who said to me upon seeing my destination:
"Please tell your friends we are still European". /1
A few more impressions: Everything started off with a clear political signal as the German official delegation arrived in the UK en route from Dublin.
Main message: EU-27 are the priority, and Berlin is 100% behind Ireland. /2
Main message: EU-27 are the priority, and Berlin is 100% behind Ireland. /2
Most striking was the mood between Germans and Brits:
Brexit now seems to be more and more an accepted reality, with less grudge.
The deep regret is still there, though with a willingness to look ahead. /3
Brexit now seems to be more and more an accepted reality, with less grudge.
The deep regret is still there, though with a willingness to look ahead. /3
