Brexit a 'compromise' but deal is 'step closer' to goal: Merkel German Chancellor Angela Merkel reacts to the deal struck between the British government and the European Commission at the EU Summit in Brussels. Merkel said the deal constituted 'compromises' on both sides, but were compromises she hopes both sides can handle. The deal still needs to be approved in both the European and British Parliaments, with Merkel stating no plans had yet been discussed if Boris Johnson's deal does not go through. IMAGES AND SOUNDBITES