Cameron in danger of misreading Merkel

Following the long awaited speech by UK Prime Minister David Cameron on the UK's relationship with the European Union on the 23 January 2013 this article discusses German reaction. The article suggests that there is a there is a long British tradition of failing to understand Berlin.

Germany has always seen Britain as an economic ally in promoting competition and free trade, and a helpful bridge to Washington. But German support is not 'limitless'. Mr Cameron must learn how to compromise. In the end he will have to decide if he can accept very limited treaty change. It will certainly be less than he wants.

ESO: Background information: David Cameron speech: UK and the EU http://www.europeansources.info/record/david-cameron-speech-uk-and-the-eu/

Spiegel Online International, 24.01.13: Opinion: Europe's Scaredy-Cat http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/commentary-on-david-camerons-s-pledge-to-hold-eu-referendum-a-879299.html

Spiegel Online International, 24.01.13: Referendum Reactions: Cameron Faces Heat from Continent http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/cameron-finds-little-support-on-continent-for-referendum-on-eu-a-879441.html

EUObserver, 25.01.13: Merkel and Cameron seek common ground on Europe http://euobserver.com/economic/118838

EUObserver, 25.01.13: Poland: UK no longer a leading EU country http://euobserver.com/institutional/118849

EurActiv, 28.01.13: German politicians rebuff 'special rights' for Britain http://www.euractiv.com/uk-europe/german-politicians-rebuff-specia-news-517393

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