German Chancellor Angela Merkel took advantage of what is probably her last appearance in the Bundestag to ask the European Union (EU) to learn from what has happened in the coronavirus pandemic and act more decisively.

“As long as the pandemic is not overcome, a debate on the lessons learned from the crisis can only be a first step in a longer and deeper process,” Merkel said in Berlin before participating in an EU summit in Brussels.

“But this process is important because the ability and willingness to do so will determine how the European Union will meet future challenges of this magnitude,” she added.

“That is why I see in particular that the way to respond to the crisis, to protect health, to act in the Schengen area (where there are no border controls) and the internal market are areas in which we have to discuss a strengthening of Europe’s ability to act, “he added.

As for the differences with Russia, Merkel demanded that the EU take a common course before that country in view of the “large number of provocations” coming from Moscow. “… The events of the last few months – and not just in Germany – have clearly shown that it is not enough for us to react in an uncoordinated way to the large number of provocations,” she commented.

“Instead, we must create mechanisms to respond to provocations together and united,” she emphasized, adding that only then will we learn to counter Russia’s hybrid attacks. She added that the EU is challenged to give an adequate response to Russian activities due to its geographical proximity and its responsibility to Eastern European countries.

Merkel specifically cited Ukraine, Belarus and the Western Balkan states. The German Chancellor clarified that for this the EU must seek direct contact with Russia and its president and promote the dialogue.

Source: dpa

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