"We can see that the global environment is changing swiftly and dramatically, and we must respond to these new challenges," said Chancellor Angela Merkel. In this situation, we must defend free society and free trade. A response is also needed to economic challenges, including the rising competitiveness of emerging economies.

The EU must act decisively and swiftly

The European Union needs "inner cohesion" continued Angela Merkel. Every member state must realise that the EU means not only advantages, but also responsibility and duties. "We need a European Union that acts decisively and swiftly on the major issues facing us."

In the run-up to the Malta summit

The Chancellor and the French President discussed the issues that will be on the agenda at next week’s EU summit. On 3 March the EU heads of state and government are to meet in Valletta, Malta for an informal European Council meeting. On the agenda will be the external dimension of migration, in particular the Central Mediterranean route, and the future role of the EU.

This meeting will be followed in March by a regular European Council meeting in Brussels. The heads of state and government will then meet in Rome on 25 March to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Rome.

Paying tribute to the victims of the Breitscheidplatz attack

After their meeting, French President François Hollande accompanied the Chancellor to Berlin’s Breitscheidplatz, where they paid tribute to those killed and injured in the terrorist attack there on 19 December 2016. Before their meeting François Hollande praised the Chancellor’s solidarity in the wake of terrorist attacks in France.