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
Nevertheless, the German-British debate had the feeling of a couple that is close to settling its divorce, arranging where to meet occassionally after the UK moves out.
In particular for UK officials clear that EU is a forum for exchange that they will miss. /4
In particular for UK officials clear that EU is a forum for exchange that they will miss. /4
Joint declaration for a German-UK strategic dialogue is a start, but at the end only damage control exercise.
The two countries will be living in different worlds - at next year's Königswinter, the UK will have left the EU. /5
The two countries will be living in different worlds - at next year's Königswinter, the UK will have left the EU. /5
In discussions on world politics, classic roles seemed reversed - while Berlin is focused on concrete issues, London seemed occupied with the search for its place in the world post-#Brexit. /6
Finally, on the shape of EU-UK-relations, still a lot to negotiate for. #Brexit will not be reversed, but on issues like customs union, alignment with signal market, security cooperation there is a lot of flux below the surface. /ends
