Anxious EU keen to settle key sticking point of hated Brexit deal, Coveney admits – Daily Express

Olaf Scholz, 63, only succeeded Angela Merkel, 67, as Chancellor last week after Germany spent 16-years being governed by the nations first-ever female leader.

However, the ex-general secretary of the SDP has already left his mark on the top German job after deploying some characteristically vague and formulaic responses to journalists during a press conference with Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki, 53.

During his joint appearance with Mr Morawiecki on Sunday, Mr Scholz was unable to clarify Berlins position on the controversial pipeline between Russia and Germany, known as Nord Stream 2.

Instead Mr Scholz is reported to have claimed Germany will no longer be using gas as an energy resource in 25-years time.

However, Warsaw has come out in opposition to the move and called on its partner in the European Union to stifle the pipeline plan.

But this wasnt Mr Scholzs first official visit as Chancellor.

He had already made the trip to the EUs main capital Brussels and to nearby Paris.

The 63-year-old was greeted in Paris by French President Emmanuel Macron, 43, on Saturday with a fist bump.

During his meeting with Mr Macron, who is himself up for re-election next year, the pair were asked about reports Russia could invade Ukraine and whether they would be ready to review Maastrichts criteria on inflation.

But while the French President spent three minutes answering the questions, Mr Scholz said: One thing is very clear right now: we have to cooperate, we have to act, and put effort into this in Europe.

But that requires that our borders hold firm, and we are working to de-escalate conflict.

And we want to make sure that the future is open to everyone.

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Anxious EU keen to settle key sticking point of hated Brexit deal, Coveney admits - Daily Express