The Germans want ‘smart’ deal with UK

A ‘SMART agreement’ over Brexit could become a model for EU deals with other countries, the German foreign minister said.

Sigmar Gabriel suggested that Turkey and Ukraine could benefit from the type of deal the UK may reach with Brussels.

Using Brexit as a template, they would be able to have a special relationship with the EU without becoming a full member.

However, he spoke about Turkey joining the customs union – a solution Theresa May has rejected for Britain once the UK leaves the EU on March 29, 2019.

Mr Gabriel told the Funke media group: ‘If we can reach a smart agreement with Great Britain that outlines its relations with Europe after Brexit, then that could serve as a model for other countries.’