A breakthrough is possible in the negotiations about the United Kingdom's departure from the European Union, according to the leader of the European People's Party. Manfred Weber, member of the European Parliament, said in London on Wednesday that he sees "willingness for compromise." After an encounter with Prime Minister Theresa May, he expressed optimism even though the two sides seem firmly entrenched in positions about key issues in the first stage of Brexit talks.
Earlier, the prominent lawmaker from the Christian Social Union in Bavaria (CSU), a long-time coalition partner of the ruling Christian Democratic Union (CDU) of German Chancellor Angela Merkel, stated the objective is to maintain "a positive approach" about the future friendship, but that the EU has "clear criteria" about citizens' rights, the peace process in Northern Ireland, and the divorce bill.
The pound was unfazed. The British currency was 0.09% above the flat line at 8:15 pm CET, buying $1.31729, while the euro was almost flat at £0.89584. Sterling declined 0.37% to ¥148.744 and weakened just 0.08% to buy 1.30132 Swiss francs.