Brexit deal could serve as model for Ukraine, Turkey - Germany FM

Gabriel told Germany's Funke media group: "If we can reach a smart agreement with Great Britain that outlines its relations with Europe after Brexit, then that could serve as a model for other countries," DW reports.

Berlin's top diplomat added that he could not see either Ukraine or Turkey joining the bloc anytime soon, and that the EU therefore "needs to consider alternative forms of closer cooperation."

Even though the situation in Turkey had demonstrated that the country was still some way away from accession to the EU, Gabriel said, recent gestures by Ankara showed a willingness to improve relations with Brussels. That willingness was shared by Berlin, he added.

Read alsoUkraine should strive for pan-European defense forces, not NATO - Kwasniewski"It is a good sign that several detained Germans have been released [from custody in Turkey]," the Social Democratic lawmaker said.

As UNIAN reported earlier, Ukrainian Presiden Petro Poroshenko said Ukraine expected to gain association with the Schengen zone as well as the accession to the European customs union and EU's digital union.