‘Both sides to blame’ if EU and UK fail to agree trade deal – senior German MP Norbert Roettgen

Germany takes over the EU’s presidency from today, assuming the role at a key moment for the bloc, as its members grapple not only with the economic fallout from the coronavirus crisis but at a crunch time for Brexit negotiations, which could threaten even more economic turmoil.

Expectations are high though –  as it will be Chancellor Angela Merkel’s last chance to make her final mark before she stands down next year after 16 years in office.