Merkel: EU, UK would set bad example with no deal

German Chancellor Angela Merkel said Monday that the European Union and Britain would set a bad example if they fail to reach a deal on their future relationship, but insisted that the EU doesn't want a deal at any price.She was addressing an online conference of national lawmakers from across the 27-nation bloc.

The UK left the EU early this year, but remains part of its economic embrace during a transition as the two sides try to negotiate a new free-trade deal to take effect at the start of next year.If there is no deal, New Year's Day will bring huge disruption, with the overnight imposition of tariffs and other barriers to U.K.-EU trade.

Merkel also commented on Turkey's controversial efforts to assert drilling rights for energy in the Mediterranean Sea, telling lawmakers that Ankara was acting in an aggressive and provocative way.Germany hosted the online conference in its role as current chair of the EU's rotating presidency.

(Image Credit: AP)