Merkel Backs EU Army Plans: 'Europe Must Take its Fate in its Own Hands' (VIDEO)

When speaking about plans to create the European army, which have been strongly criticised by the US president, Merkel said that it could be a "good supplement to NATO."

"We have to look at the vision of one day creating a real true European army," she stated.

The German Chancellor has backed French President Macron's proposal, stressing that "Europe must take its fate in its own hands." In order to coordinate the issue, she also proposed to establish a "European security council."

READ MORE: Merkel Worries About 'National Dispute' Resurgence and Int'l Cooperation Fading

Merkel added that "only a united Europe can be strong enough to be heard on the world stage," and urged the EU countries "to come to common solutions in areas where treaties would allow it."

Commenting on the recent Macron's proposals, US President Donald Trump said it was very insulting of the French President and noted that Europe "should first pay its fair share of NATO, which the US subsidizes greatly."

EU Economic Policy

The German Chancellor also addressed the problems of the Eurozone.

"Our common currency can only function if every individual member fulfils their responsibility for sustainable finances," Merkel said.

She also told the European Parliament that a European digital tax may be introduced if the global project on the issue fails.

"We think the best thing would be to find an international solution in an international context… but if that doesn't work, we can't wait forever but rather need to act at the European level and that's what Germany is pushing for," Merkel stated.

Previously, the European officials warned of an economic slowdown across the Eurozone due to the uncertain course of the Brexit negotiations, clashes with Rome over the Italian budget and the global trade wars.

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