Merkel to host British PM May for urgent Brexit talks
German Chancellor Angela Merkel will host Theresa May for talks on Tuesday, on the eve of a crucial EU summit when the British premier is hoping to convince the bloc to grant her a new Brexit extension to June 30th.
"The Chancellor and the British Prime Minister will have an exchange of views on Britain's exit from the EU as well as on Wednesday's special summit of the European Council," said Merkel's spokesman Steffen Seibert.
SEE ALSO: Meet the Scots mayor in north Germany being pushed out due to Brexit
The spokesman noted that the final decision on May's request will be made by all 27 remaining members of the EU.
But there are "always good reasons in such difficult and highly charged situations in Britain and the EU 27 to first talk to each other before the first deadline," he said.
The government also stressed the importance for the bloc's remaining members to speak with one voice on whether or not they will accept May's request for a new extension.
SEE ALSO: Updated - The ultimate Brexit checklist for Brits in Germany
"Decisiveness and unanimity is essential at the European Council summit of government leaders," stressed Seibert.
The UK had been due to leave on March 29th, two years after it started the exit process by invoking Article 50 of the EU's Lisbon Treaty.
But due to a series of rejections by UK MPs to May's withdrawal agreement, EU leaders agreed to extend the deadline. As things stand, the UK is poised to leave the EU this Friday April 12th, regardless of whether a deal is in place or not.
However, Theresa May has again requested an extension until June 30th - which EU leaders will consider on Wednesday.
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"The Chancellor and the British Prime Minister will have an exchange of views on Britain's exit from the EU as well as on Wednesday's special summit of the European Council," said Merkel's spokesman Steffen Seibert.
SEE ALSO: Meet the Scots mayor in north Germany being pushed out due to Brexit
The spokesman noted that the final decision on May's request will be made by all 27 remaining members of the EU.
But there are "always good reasons in such difficult and highly charged situations in Britain and the EU 27 to first talk to each other before the first deadline," he said.
The government also stressed the importance for the bloc's remaining members to speak with one voice on whether or not they will accept May's request for a new extension.
SEE ALSO: Updated - The ultimate Brexit checklist for Brits in Germany
"Decisiveness and unanimity is essential at the European Council summit of government leaders," stressed Seibert.
The UK had been due to leave on March 29th, two years after it started the exit process by invoking Article 50 of the EU's Lisbon Treaty.
But due to a series of rejections by UK MPs to May's withdrawal agreement, EU leaders agreed to extend the deadline. As things stand, the UK is poised to leave the EU this Friday April 12th, regardless of whether a deal is in place or not.
However, Theresa May has again requested an extension until June 30th - which EU leaders will consider on Wednesday.
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