France and Germany plot closer ties for EU in blow to Cameron

‘Germany and France have agreed a pact to bring the Eurozone closer together without the need for treaty change in a potential blow to Britain’s plans for EU reform.

Angela Merkel, the German Chancellor, and Francois Hollande, the French President, have reached an agreement to create a closer union within the bounds of existing EU treaties.

The pact, which is due to be presented at an EU summit next month, could limit David Cameron’s room for manoeuvre as he tries to claw back powers from Brussels ahead of a referendum on Britain’s membership.

It came as Mr Cameron last night hosted Jean-Claude Juncker, the President of the European Commission, for dinner at Chequers, his country retreat.’

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