Berlin response to UK debate about what Merkel did/didn’t say during phone call with the pm this morning is that it’s not interested in a process of briefing + counter-briefing. Berlin won’t comment on what was supposed to be a “private closed-door” discussion between leaders /1
Berlin keen to underline that Chancellor Merkel has repeated over and again that she will work “till last moment” to get a deal. Sources say she remains interested in avoiding a no deal Brexit and thinks a deal is possible /2
All of EU incl Germany openly admits that customs aspect of the PM’s proposals on how to replace backstop is problematic - no secret there /3
