Former German chancellor Angela Merkel has called on the countries of Europe to unite and show solidarity in light of global crises and wars. “Europe must take its destiny into its own hands more than ever,” the conservative politician said at the annual St Matthias Day Banquet in Hamburg City Hall in front of around 400 guests. She expressed her wish for a Europe that is capable of taking action both internally and externally and is perceived and taken seriously in the world with one voice.

Europe should take its destiny into its own hands

“This goes far beyond the aspect of security for me,” Merkel stressed. A united Europe means standing up for democracy, the rule of law, human dignity, prosperity, jobs, but also the protection of external borders, cultural identity and shared creation, she said.