Britain's new government wants to renegotiate the country's ties with the EU, and then hold a referendum by the end of 2017 on whether to remain in it.
Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier told a news conference during a trip to Portugal today, "We want (the U.K.) as an active partner at the heart of Europe, not standing on the sidelines."
Steinmeier added: "I hope in the U.K. There is a debate that also respects how far Europe can go to meet it."
