Press release

PM phone calls with Chancellor Merkel and PM Rutte: June 2014

The Prime Minister took calls from Chancellor Merkel and Prime Minister Rutte ahead of the European Council.

This was published under the 2010 to 2015 Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government

Following the phone calls, a Downing Street spokesperson said:

The Prime Minister took calls from Chancellor Merkel and Prime Minister Rutte this afternoon, ahead of the European Council. Discussions focused on the appointment of the next Commission President.

The Prime Minister explained that his opposition to the “Spitzenkandidaten” process would not change. Chancellor Merkel and Prime Minister Rutte recognised the PM’s position and agreed that if the European Council decides not to proceed by consensus then there should be a vote.

Both leaders also underlined their support for Britain’s continued membership of a reformed European Union and their ongoing commitment to working with the Prime Minister as he renegotiates Britain’s relationship with the EU.

Published 25 June 2014