Polish PM in Berlin talks on migration, Brexit

Szydło told reporters in Berlin that her meeting with Merkel, their first bilateral talks since the Polish prime minister was sworn in three months ago, could be "a prelude to a very good relationship in the future."

Szydło said she and the German leader agreed that Warsaw and Berlin “must do everything to ensure Britain remains in the EU.”

But she added that protecting the rights of the hundreds of thousands of Poles working in Britain was a key issue for Warsaw. London has demanded curbs on benefits for migrant workers from EU countries.

British Prime Minister David Cameron, who has promised to hold a referendum by the end of next year on whether his country should stay in the EU, is negotiating with Brussels, demanding wide-ranging reforms to address UK voters’ concerns over issues such as immigration and sovereignty.

A so-called potential Brexit will be a key topic at an EU summit next week.

Ahead of her talks with Merkel, Szydło said that relations between Warsaw and Berlin were “excellent” but added that Germany should not take certain key decisions - such as the planned Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline - over Poland’s head. (pk)

Source: PAP