Germany: London Needs Time, We Understand, But We Won't Negotiate

The German Chancellor, following a meeting with the leaders of France and Italy, stated that they understand Britain needs time to assess the situation, but until it submits an official exit request, there will be no negotiations. Angela Merkel, on July 7, after her meeting with French President Francois Hollande and Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi, also mentioned that Donald Tusk, President of the European Council, said, 'We must cooperate to prevent centrifugal forces.' According to Merkel in Berlin, they will create new incentives that will include issues such as combating terrorism, security, policies regarding immigration, economic growth, and market competition. According to the German news agency, the leaders of the three countries emphasized that until Britain submits an official exit request from the Union, there will be no informal negotiations. David Cameron, the British Prime Minister, announced after the referendum result for his country’s exit from the European Union that he would step down in the coming months; he emphasized that Britain’s official exit would not occur during his premiership. However, it seems that the German Chancellor is trying to increase pressure for Britain’s exit to happen as soon as possible: 'We cannot remain in a state of uncertainty... of course, I understand that Britain needs time to analyze and assess the situation.' These remarks came after John Kerry, the U.S. Secretary of State, urged European officials to consider the global economy and their citizens and to act 'responsibly' during Britain’s exit. Kerry stated, 'The most important thing is that we all cooperate to ensure continuity, stability, and certainty as much as we can.' The announcement of the referendum result, which was led by David Cameron, has created instability in financial markets, bringing the pound to its lowest value in three decades and alarming investors and political and economic officials in major world economies. Meanwhile, EU officials and major powers within the Union have also not hidden their dissatisfaction with the referendum result and emphasized that the exit must occur as soon as possible. Matteo Renzi, the Italian Prime Minister, before traveling to Berlin, stated in the Senate of his country, 'The last thing Europe can do is enter into a year-long negotiation process (regarding Britain’s exit).' Renzi mentioned that the meeting of Union officials this week should not only revolve around Britain’s exit but should also focus on restarting the European project. The French Economy Minister, Michel Sapin, also told France 2 that there is 'no difference of opinion between France and Germany regarding the deadline for Britain’s exit.' Merkel, Hollande, and Renzi will participate in the Union leaders' meeting in Brussels on Tuesday and Wednesday. Germany ranks first in the EU in terms of GDP, followed by Britain, France, and Italy.