Merkel: Europe is vulnerable in the migration crisis

(Baonghean.vn) - German Chancellor Angela Merkel affirmed on January 11 that Europe is "vulnerable" in the migration crisis because it has not yet controlled the situation to the desired level.

Chancellor Angela Merkel in a speech on January 8 in Mainz, Germany. Photo: Reuters.

Speaking at a business event in Mainz, near Frankfurt, Mrs Merkel said: “Now suddenly we are faced with the challenge of migrants coming to Europe and we are vulnerable, because we do not yet have the order, the control that we would like to have.”

She also insisted that the euro was “directly linked” to freedom of movement within Europe, adding: “No one should act as if it is possible to have a common currency but not be able to move easily across borders.”

Chancellor Merkel said that if countries tightened border controls, Europe's single market would be "deeply affected" - meaning Germany, the heart of the European Union (EU) and the continent's largest economy, would have to fight to protect freedom of movement.

The EU is struggling to cope with a wave of migrants driven by war and poverty in the Middle East and Africa, many of whom arrive in Greece or Italy before heading to the EU’s wealthier northern countries. Germany has taken in the bulk of them: more than 1 million in 2015 alone.

Several EU countries have re-established border controls within the Schengen area, stepping up efforts to share the refugee burden with fellow members.

Ms. Merkel emphasized that to protect the Schengen area within the EU, it is necessary to strengthen security for the external border areas of the bloc.

Thu Giang

(According to Reuters)