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Merkel calls for unity, also warns of 'centrifugal forces' in the EU

Merkel calls for unity, also warns of 'centrifugal forces' in the EU


German Chancellor Angela Merkel warned of a split in the European Union and issued a call for more unity across the continent, speaking at a speech at the awards ceremony in Spain.


After receiving the Carlos V award, Merkel said:

"Let us not deceive ourselves. Centrifugal forces have been working in the EU for several years now. "Such divisive powers arise when the EU fails to deliver on its promises and social and economic differences are allowed to widen."


She also added that Europe is as strong as it is united and that the EU would be in trouble if national interests were put above its mutual success.
The Polish Supreme Court recently challenged the primacy of EU law, promoting the speech that Poland may one day leave the 27-nation bloc.

Unity is also important in the fight against powers outside the EU, Merkel said. The chancellor also focused on relations with China as an economic, political and military power.

"It depends a lot on whether Europe really speaks with one voice," she said.


Merkel is paying a farewell visit to Belgium on Friday. King Philipe will take Merkel for lunch at Laeken Castle for lunch. Other heads of state or government have been hosting Merkel in recent weeks, including Joe Biden, Emmanuel Macron and Vladimir Putin.