“Europe must take its fate into its own hands more than ever,” said the CDU politician in front of around 400 guests at the Matthiae meal in Hamburg City Hall.

She wants a Europe that is able to act internally and externally and that is recognized and taken seriously with one voice in the world.

Europe should take its fate into its own hands

“For me, this goes far beyond the security aspect,” emphasized Merkel. A Europe acting united means standing up for democracy, the rule of law, human dignity, prosperity, jobs, but also the protection of external borders, cultural identity and common creation.
The EU must also achieve more independence in the digital area, “both in terms of software and hardware”.

Merkel emphasized that she wanted to in the Ukraine conflictthat the European Union “acts as both a military supporter of Ukraine against the aggressor Russia – that is important and essential – but also its diplomatic strength for an end this war of aggression “She was already of the opinion in 2021 that negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin should not be left to the USA alone.

Military and diplomatic strength is essential for Europe

“This is about Europe’s vital interests,” said the CDU politician. Only with both – military and diplomatic strength – “will we achieve what we want – that Russia does not win the war and thus the Ukraine “has a future as a sovereign state in peace and freedom”.

However, the EU’s independence and autonomy can only be achieved if the appropriate financial resources are available. “That’s why an intact and growing economy as well as strengthening the internal market and trade with non-European countries are essential,” said Merkel, referring to the latest agreement with India and the Mercosur states.