02:13Germany: Answer to 'unprecedented' coronavirus crisis must be 'powerful' - Merkel
German Chancellor Angela Merkel said that Europe was facing the toughest circumstances in its history and emphasised that the answer to the "truly unprecedented crisis" of the coronavirus outbreak must be "powerful."
Merkel made her remarks during a joint virtual press conference with EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in Berlin on Thursday, that marked Berlin taking over the EU's rotating presidency from July 1st until the end of the year.
The German chancellor stated that "time is of the essence," and von der Leyen echoed her remarks, saying that there is "huge time pressure, but it is the crisis that sets the pace. Everyday we lose, we will be seeing people losing their jobs, companies going bust, the weakening of our economies. So, every single day counts."
Merkel added that Europe is "in the most difficult situation in its history," which is reflected "in the economic data" and "applies to all member states of the European Union," she said.
She also pointed out that she will seek agreement on the EU budget when she goes to Brussels on July 17 for a European Council meeting, and added that she "cannot imagine any other option."
02:13German Chancellor Angela Merkel said that Europe was facing the toughest circumstances in its history and emphasised that the answer to the "truly unprecedented crisis" of the coronavirus outbreak must be "powerful."
Merkel made her remarks during a joint virtual press conference with EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in Berlin on Thursday, that marked Berlin taking over the EU's rotating presidency from July 1st until the end of the year.
The German chancellor stated that "time is of the essence," and von der Leyen echoed her remarks, saying that there is "huge time pressure, but it is the crisis that sets the pace. Everyday we lose, we will be seeing people losing their jobs, companies going bust, the weakening of our economies. So, every single day counts."
Merkel added that Europe is "in the most difficult situation in its history," which is reflected "in the economic data" and "applies to all member states of the European Union," she said.
She also pointed out that she will seek agreement on the EU budget when she goes to Brussels on July 17 for a European Council meeting, and added that she "cannot imagine any other option."