Osborne: British and German economies 'heart of Europe'

[Better Day 5,766]

The British and German economies are the "beating heart" of Europe, George Osborne has said as he heads to Berlin for talks on reforming the EU.

The Chancellor will meet finance minister Wolfgang Schaeuble to set out more details of the UK's bid to renegotiate its EU membership.

Securing German backing is important for the success of British plans for reform.

David Cameron has already courted support from Chancellor Angela Merkel.

Mr Osborne said: "The UK and German economies are the beating heart of Europe, the engine for growth and jobs.

"Together we make the world's third-largest economy, behind only America and China, and since the crisis ended, we have generated two-thirds of EU growth.

"But the future holds challenges for our economies. We must cut debt and boost productivity. To do this, we need a strong EU, fit for today's challenges and working for the benefit of all 28 member states.

"The UK's reform and renegotiation plans aim to achieve this, which is why these talks with key partners in Europe are so important."

Business relations

Mr Osborne will also visit a Siemens factory in the German capital and address an audience of business leaders at the annual conference of the BDI, the Federation of German Industries.

In May Germany's Chambers of Commerce and Industry warned that a UK exit from the EU would be "disastrous" for the two countries.

Volker Treier, deputy chief executive of the organisation, told the BBC that German business was "astonished" that the UK was planning a referendum on its EU membership.

David Cameron's renegotiation plans will be formally debated for the first time by the EU's 28 leaders at a summit in Brussels in mid-December.

Source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-34695654

[Melech 9,900]

Germany yes for sure.

 

but Britain? Not really :later:

[RAMROD 117,032]

Yes it is true, German and Britain is the only countries on EU that have functioning economy.

So if UK actually leave EU, that union.is doomed.

[Florian 20,017]

Yes it is true, German and Britain is the only countries on EU that have functioning economy.

So if UK actually leave EU, that union.is doomed.

Oh please, neglecting France is one of the biggest mistakes. We might have a a really slow growth but our GDP is almost the same as the UK (the UK became 5th only this year !).

[MonsterOfSpain 8,331]

But the United Kingdom doesn't even use the euro  They need to leave the EU ASAP.

[Florian 20,017]

But the United Kingdom doesn't even use the euro  They need to leave the EU ASAP.

If you're Spanish you should actually worry about the idea of the UK leaving the EU, instead of asking for one of the strongest economy to leave.

[Melech 9,900]

If you're Spanish you should actually worry about the idea of the UK leaving the EU, instead of asking for one of the strongest economy to leave.

UK is the reason why there is not more EU which is stupid as **** 

[RAMROD 117,032]

Oh please, neglecting France is one of the biggest mistakes. We might have a a really slow growth but our GDP is almost the same as the UK (the UK became 5th only this year !).

I am sure France is. It will only about time when the world will acknowledge that. 

[Florian 20,017]

I am sure France is. It will only about time when the world will acknowledge that. 

Oh I probably missread you. My comment was just about Germany and the UK "the only countries" 

[LebaneseDude 6,146]

Germany 

[RAMROD 117,032]

Oh I probably missread you. My comment was just about Germany and the UK "the only countries" 

Pardon for misunderstanding you.

[Better Day 5,766]

Just to clarify Osbourne is an man who is out to hurt poor people in the name of austerity which he gives BILLIONS to rich old men. 

[hmm 979]

Just to clarify Osbourne is an man who is out to hurt poor people in the name of austerity which he gives BILLIONS to rich old men. 

Just to clarify let's not be so silly to oversimplify an entire economic policy (and a person's motives) into two lines of rhetoric and baseless propaganda. 

[TiphEret 1,320]

"But the future holds challenges for our economies. We must cut debt and boost productivity. To do this, we need a strong EU, fit for today's challenges and working for the benefit of all 28 member states.

"The UK's reform and renegotiation plans aim to achieve this, which is why these talks with key partners in Europe are so important."

 

LOL, yes for sure thanks UK for caring about EU , you aren't fooling anyone... 

[Better Day 5,766]

Just to clarify let's not be so silly to oversimplify an entire economic policy (and a person's motives) into two lines of rhetoric and baseless propaganda. 

Tax credits.