German Chancellor Angela Merkel, in her address to the Bundestag on Thursday ahead of tomorrow’s European Union summit, advocated for a better distribution of funds within the EU as well as for new impulses that would breathe new life into the union.
– “We need a new impetus for Europe,” said Angela Merkel (Christian Democratic Union CDU) during her address to the representatives, where she announced that the future of Europe will be one of the main themes of her fourth term, if members of the potential coalition partner give the green light.
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– “In the new coalition agreement, the CDU/CSU Union and SPD clearly stated that Germany can take on more responsibilities within the European Union,” Merkel said.
As one of the most important challenges, Merkel highlighted the need for better protection of the EU’s external borders.
Regarding the budget negotiations that are set to begin on Friday at the EU summit in Brussels, Merkel emphasized that the European Union needs a budget tailored to future challenges.
– “The European Union needs a budget that will support it in its intention to truly face new challenges,” Merkel said.
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The German Chancellor simultaneously emphasized that Germany is ready to take on greater financial responsibility after Brexit, but also expects solidarity from European partners.
– “In the new distribution of funds from structural funds, we must pay attention to ensure that the distribution criteria are adapted to the readiness of individual regions to engage in receiving and integrating refugees,” Merkel said, adding that within the EU, “solidarity should not be one-sided.”
Alexander Gauland, a representative of the right-wing populist Alternative for Germany (AfD) and one of the fiercest critics of Angela Merkel’s liberal refugee policy, accused the German Chancellor of “blackmailing” Eastern European countries, which are most resistant to accepting refugees.
– “This is political blackmail. It is completely wrong to condition payments to Eastern Europeans on the distribution of refugees within the European Union,” Gauland said.
