"I would like to see a strong United Kingdom in the European Union," Angela Merkel declared earlier in the day in response to a question posed by a euro-sceptical Member of the European Parliament. The meeting in London served primarily to prepare the ground for the European Council meetings in November and December. At these meetings the heads of state and government will be discussing above all EU finances and the future development of the economic and currency union.

An important question for the future – the EU budget

One issue touched on in London was the multi-annual financial framework of the European Union. Intensive negotiations have been underway for some time. It covers the period 2014 to 2020. The German government has already expressed its opinion on several occasions – the EU budget should focus on promoting growth and employment within the Union.

"The United Kingdom and Germany are both net contributors, which means that we have many common interests," declared the Chancellor before dinner in the official residence of the British Prime Minister. Germany, however, also has neighbours in Central and Eastern Europe, which must be helped to move closer to the European Union.

Efficient expenditure important

It is not always a question of the amounts spent per se. The way funds are used is important. "Europe must be an innovative continent. Europe must invest in the future," declared Angela Merkel. The European Union must pay more attention to how funds are spent, i.e. "to what we get for the money."

International issues

The Chancellor and Prime Minister David Cameron also discussed current international issues, including the situation in Syria, the Middle East peace process and their shared concerns about Iran’s nuclear programme.