Germany will try to resolve EU-Poland/Hungary budget dispute - chancellor
German Chancellor Angela Merkel said in the Bundestag on Wednesday that her government would try to find a way to remove the threat of a Polish and Hungarian veto of the EU's next seven-year budget.
Merkel was referring to a standoff between Brussels and Poland and Hungary, which have threatened to veto the budget over a clause linking the payout of funds to member states' observance of the rule of law.
The German Chancellor suggested that her government's aim was to seek a compromise with Poland and Hungary while maintaining the rule-of-law mechanism. She warned, however, that she could not promise a breakthrough at Thursday's EU summit.
Merkel also commented on ongoing trade talks with the UK, saying a deal was still possible before the end of the transition period but EU member states are prepared to let Britain end the period without an agreement if London does not withdraw from its demands over the common market. (PAP)
