Ahead of a key European Union summit, German Chancellor Angela Merkel has vowed European solidarity.
Merkel made the remarks in a speech in German parliament on Thursday saying Germany would support other EU members during the coronavirus pandemic.
“Europe is not Europe if it does not understand itself as a unified Europe. Europe is not Europe if we do not stand up for one another in times of emergency that no one is at fault for,” Merkel said in her speech.
The German chancellor added that her government is in favor of a European stimulus package to help the block’s economy recover.
“A European stimulus package could help could support the necessary upswing in the coming years,” Merkel said.
At the same time Merkel reiterated her rejection of common European bonds. The so-called corona bonds would help hard-hit countries borrow money at better conditions.
But Merkel said such a measure would take too long to implement as all European countries would have to agree to a change of EU treaties.
“This would be a long and difficult process and not one that could help in the current situation because right now it is about helping fast and to have instruments at hand quickly that can help mitigate the effects of the crisis,” Merkel said.
