There’s been a strong reaction in European capitals to plans from Britain to renegotiate its membership of the European Union. The Prime Minister David Cameron said he wanted to stay in the EU but said there should be a referendum on the issue. Gavin Hewitt reports. Europe’s leaders and officials have been wary and uneasy at the prospect of David Cameron’s speech. In the event, it drew a mixed response. Some saw it as reckless, putting at risk Britain’s place in Europe. Others supported his call for a leaner, more flexible EU. The German Chancellor Angela Merkel was quick to say she was prepared to talk about Britain’s wishes, but she said a fair compromise was needed. The German and French leaders had coordinated their responses to the speech. The French too are willing to discuss a more open, leaner EU. What would be unacceptable to Paris would be a Europe a la carte.
