Macron’s attempted hug with Icelandic prime minister appears awkward at Dublin summit

French President Emmanuel Macron appeared to lean in for a hug with Icelandic Prime Minister Kristrún Frostadóttir at a European leaders’ meeting in Dublin. She moved back while keeping a hand on his shoulder, making the greeting look awkward; the article uses the encounter to introduce wider discussions about UK-EU relations.

Andy Burnham was expected to discuss a proposed UK-EU reset with Macron and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen ahead of a summit the following Friday. Possible measures include UK contributions to EU funds, a youth mobility scheme and alignment with some EU rules; the article also reports debate over concessions, Brexit and the prospect of closer long-term ties. David Cameron argued that Brexit was not responsible for current economic problems, while EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said she wanted Britain back in Europe.