German Chancellor Angela Merkel has told British Prime Minister David Cameron she does not support the kind of fundamental reform of the European Union he wants.
Speaking on a one-day visit to London, she said Britain should stay in the EU to help make it more competitive.
"It is not a piece of cake, it will be a lot of work," Merkel said. "...if we want Britain to remain in the European Union, which is what I want, if one also wants a competitive union that generates growth, one can find common solutions."
Merkel indicated she supported Cameron's clampdown on abuses of EU freedom of movement rules relating to welfare payments. She said she thought some EU red tape should be cut.
"Some expect my speech to pave the way for a fundamental reform of the European architecture which will satisfy all kinds of alleged or actual British wishes. I am afraid they are in for a disappointment," she said.
After lunch with the prime minister, the chancellor met the Queen for tea at Buckingham Palace.
Merkel has said that she favours change. But she sees it as much more limited in scope than Cameron.
Source: EuroNews
