Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and....>

EU: Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and German Chancellor Angela

Merkel holding a joint press conference. 

- Merkel says, following the early conclusion of EU-UK FTA talks today, that

Germany has an interest in successful Brexit negotiations, but that the EU and

Germany has to prepare for the possibility of no deal. 

- For the view of German SMEs on talks see MNI Policy Main Wire piece from

earlier today,'MNI INTERVIEW: German SMEs Need Brexit Clarity-Industry Chiefs'

1059BST.

- VDL acknowledges that the EU and UK are still quite far apart, echoing

comments from chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier made earlier today. Says

the EU will have to prepare for other possible exit strategies on Brexit, and

that the EU does not want a deal at any price.

- On the COVID-19 recovery plan, von der Leyen says all participants are under

huge time pressure, with the next 6 months being crucial. Merkel says that

Europe is in the most difficult situation in its history.