Merkel asks Germany to tough it out

German Chancellor Angela Merkel has called for the strengthening of the European Union saying that it is facing the toughest times since World War II.

BERLIN, GERMANY (Catholic Online) - Chancellor Merkel's remarks came during an hour-long address to the German Christian Democrats party on Monday. During her speech, Merkel asked party members to put aside misgivings about the euro and be more open to political integration within the European Union.

"Europe is in one of its toughest, perhaps the toughest hour, since World War Two," Merkel said.
She also added, "We must develop the European Union's structure further. That does not mean less Europe, but more. That means creating a Europe that ensures that the euro has a future. Our generation's duty now is to finalize the economic and currency union to form, step by step, a political union."

She pointed out that Germany with Europe's largest economy has provided the greatest share of aid to the needy euro states and that additional sacrifices would have to be made in the months ahead.

The crisis in Greece has dominated headlines particularly after last week, as the leaders of Greece and Italy were removed from power and replaced with new governments, tasked with pushing through tough austerity measures.

Merkel made clear during her speech that Germany had "no choice" but to accept its position within the euro zone and to tough out the crisis.

Just 13 years after entering the euro zone, conservatives in Germany have become increasingly wary of the creeping debt and demands that membership in the union is placing on their country. Some conservatives espouse the belief that the European Union is a mistake, and they're starting to suggest that Germany should exit.

Some of the party leadership put forward a resolution suggesting that countries which repeatedly violate the fiscal rules of the euro zone, should be allowed to "leave" voluntarily.

However, Merkel has responded by saying that Germany has a responsibility to the euro zone and that if other euro states are allowed to collapse, it could have a significant impact on the German economy. She pointed out that 60 percent of German exports are to the European Union.

Making her point clear, Merkel said "If the euro dies, then Europe dies."

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