Wolfgang Münchau: Germany and UK interests look to align over Brexit
By the time the trade talks reach the critical point, both sides may conclude that the price of a compromise is worth paying
German chancellor Angela Merkel and Britain’s prime minister Theresa May. The UK needs to avoid a cliff edge in 2021 or 2022. Germany does not want to lose the €50 billion. Photograph: Dan Kitwood/Getty Images
One of my expectations directly after the Brexit referendum was that Germany would ultimately come to the aid of the UK because of its trading interests. I admit that this prediction looked a bit shaky in the light of the robust negotiating position taken up by Angela Merkel, the German chancellor. But it was the right call. As we approach the December crunch date in the first round of Brexit talks, Germany’s language has softened notably.