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UK and Germany “committed” to European cooperation

Minister for Europe David Lidington and Germany’s Minister of State Michael Link have spoken following a meeting of the UK and German European Affairs Committees at Lancaster House Monday.

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

Minister for Europe David Lidington and Germany’s Minister of State Michael Link said:

“The United Kingdom and Germany are committed to cooperation in Europe on the basis of our shared objectives and interests. These joint discussions between our two European Affairs Committees are significant as a new initiative for both countries, and we are delighted to use this second meeting to build on the progress made during and since our first meeting last year in Berlin.

“This initiative is led by our desire to strengthen bilateral relations and work together to build a prosperous and more resilient European Union. Our discussions focussed on the challenges and opportunities in the EU today: promoting growth through increased competition and better targeting of EU structural funds; completing the single market, particularly in the digital and services industries; generating employment; promoting free trade and research; reducing the regulatory burden, especially for small and medium enterprise; regulating financial markets; and a range of global issues, such as tackling climate change and encouraging sustainable development. On this basis a joint work programme was endorsed.

“Deepening relations between the UK and Germany can only be a positive step during these challenging economic times. We look forward to continuing and strengthening cooperation at our next and third set of discussions, which we have agreed to hold in Berlin.”

Published 25 June 2012