German Chancellor Angela Merkel had the honor of addressing both Houses of Parliament in Westminster - the first German leader to do so since 1986 - before an appointment for tea with the Queen Elizabeth later in the day. It was an acknowledgement of her status as Europe's most powerful politician.
Angela Merkel in her 30-minute speech in the Royal Gallery, which she delivered partly in English, she was careful to dampen expectations. "I simply want to share my thoughts with you - my thoughts about Europe," she said. These thoughts were, essentially, that she emphatically wanted to see Britain remain part of the EU.
Angela Merkel,the German Chancellor opened her speech to a joint session of the UK parliament in English to drive home her message of Britain's central role in the EU, coupled with a warning that the patience of the EU's other 27 leaders with the UK is finite.
MPs and peers laughed as Merkel, who recalled her first visit to London in the spring of 1990 shortly after the fall of the Berlin Wall, said those expecting a "fundamental reform of the European architecture" in Britain's direction would be disappointed.
Angela Merkel,the German Chancellor gave little indication whether she would countenance a major revision of the Lisbon treaty – a key Cameron demand to allow him to table his proposals – when she said simply that new eurozone governance arrangements would be introduced through the "necessary legal instruments"
Angela Merkel,the German Chancellor made clear that her main priority was to strengthen the euro – by ensuring monetary union was matched by an economic union among eurozone members – with "clear-cut and resilient architecture". This would leave little room for special treatment for one member state.
Merkel told MPs and peers: "I have been told many times during the last few days that there are very special expectations of my speech here today. Supposedly, or so I have heard, 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.
"I have also heard that others are expecting the exact opposite and are hoping that I will deliver the clear and simple message here in London that the rest of Europe is not prepared to pay almost any price to keep Britain in the EU. I am afraid these hopes will be dashed too.
"If what I have been told is true then it will be obvious to everyone that I find myself caught between the devil and the deep blue sea. That is not a pleasant position to be in, at least for a German head of government. Nevertheless, that cannot in any way spoil my pleasure in being here today."
German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who is on a one-day visit to the UK, has given a historic address to both Houses of Parliament and taken part in a rather more informal meeting in Prime Minister David Cameron's Downing Street flat.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel also had tea with the Queen at Buckingham Palace.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Labour leader Ed Miliband held talks
German Chancellor Angela Merkel at10 Downing Street for a working lunch with David Cameron.
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