During his first state visit to the UK in 27 years, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier called on Britain to move past Brexit and focus on rebuilding its relationship with Europe.
Addressing British lawmakers in Parliament on Thursday, Steinmeier urged Britain to look to the future with a spirit of pragmatism, using an unexpected yet fitting reference to British rock band Oasis to make his point: "Don't look back in anger."
The visit, which began on Wednesday, marked a significant moment in UK-Germany relations, as it was the first state visit by a German president in nearly three decades. The occasion was welcomed with a royal reception at Windsor Castle, where King Charles and Queen Camilla greeted Steinmeier and his wife, Elke Budenbender, with a carriage procession and a state banquet.
Steinmeier acknowledged the strain Brexit had placed on UK-EU relations, noting the sense of uncertainty that followed the UK’s departure from the European Union in 2020. “Brexit has changed our relations,” Steinmeier said. “There was a feeling of uncertainty; however, we decided not to stay stuck in these feelings.”
The German president emphasized the need for a "new footing" in UK-EU relations, focusing on pragmatism rather than lingering on past divisions. He stressed that rebuilding stronger ties would benefit both sides, easing trade, cutting consumer costs, and fostering closer cooperation between European nations and the UK.
His message was clear: both the UK and the EU should focus on future collaboration rather than dwell on the past. Using Oasis’s famous lyrics, he told lawmakers, "Don’t look back in anger … Keep calm and carry on. Look ahead pragmatically and move on." Steinmeier’s words underscored his belief that a forward-looking approach would be vital in healing the divisions caused by Brexit.
The visit also included moments of reflection and respect for the UK’s royal history. On Thursday, Steinmeier and his wife visited Queen Elizabeth II’s tomb to lay flowers in tribute. They also viewed the State Sleigh, a piece of royal history designed by Prince Albert, Queen Victoria’s German husband.
Steinmeier's visit highlights the ongoing importance of UK-EU relations and the desire to forge a path of cooperation and mutual benefit in the post-Brexit era. His call for a pragmatic approach echoes the sentiment of many European leaders who believe that, despite the challenges of Brexit, collaboration between Britain and the EU remains crucial for the future of both parties.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu looks set to remain in office as caretaker prime minister after his right-wing bloc performed better than...
Police in Madrid clashed with protesters as groups took to the streets to call for the government's resignation following a train collision tha...
Baku is set to host the second “Fly to Baku” Art Weekend from 30 October to 1 November, bringing together Azerbaijani and international...
Despite losing his bloc's majority in Israel's 120-seat Knesset in a hotly contested election, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has managed to remain in the lead after 70 per cent of votes were tallied on Wednesday. Figures are subject to change as counting continues.
Russia and Ukraine have begun a regional ceasefire to allow the start of a humanitarian effort in the Russian-occupied town of Oleshky, both sides said on Tuesday, but they continue strikes elsewhere, including the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv.
The Pentagon is prepared to launch potentially major military operations against Iran within 96 hours of receiving an order from U.S. President Donald Trump, with sufficient forces already deployed in the Middle East, according to a CNN report.
Jordan said its air force killed more than 20 Islamic State militants in strikes on southern Syria on Monday night.
At least 68 people have been killed after two high-speed trains collided in Spain on Wednesday, in the second deadly rail disaster in less than a year on a major route linking Madrid with the southern Andalusia region.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu looks set to remain in office as caretaker prime minister after his right-wing bloc performed better than expected in the parliamentary elections, despite falling short of a majority in the Knesset.
Police in Madrid clashed with protesters as groups took to the streets to call for the government's resignation following a train collision that killed at least 68 people and injured dozens others.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova has accused European governments of fuelling the war in Ukraine, arguing that officials in Brussels and several European capitals are responsible for prolonging the conflict while rejecting meaningful dialogue over Russia's security concerns.
The United States, the European Union and a group of partner nations have renewed calls for North Korea to abandon its nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programmes, while urging all UN member states to fully enforce existing international sanctions.
UN investigators have said a steady flow of foreign weapons, military technology and fighters is prolonging and intensifying Sudan’s war. They warned that the conflict is spreading geographically and becoming more dangerous for civilians.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment