Merkel emphasizes European integration after Brussels summit

German Chancellor Angela Merkel has emphasized the importance of European integration as a path to peace and security, calling for addressing challenges such as digitalization and globalization.

"European countries have given up nationalism and decided to cooperate, and cooperation among the member states of the European Union is the prerequisite for us to be able to live together peacefully and safely in the future," Merkel said in her latest podcast speech released on Saturday.

Merkel said EU has conducted citizen dialogues this year, 27 out of the 28 Member States, in which she has experienced how much European interest has come in, and how much enthusiasm Europe is experiencing.

"These events have told me, talk more about Europe. Not only technically, but above all about the big peace project and about the possibility that Europe, with its values and attitudes, has a common voice in the world to change the lives of people for the better," said Merkel in the podcast.

Merkel's words came after the EU summit held on Thursday and Friday, on which leaders evaluated the results of Europe-wide citizens' dialogues. Brexit was a key topic and the 27 EU member states united in their stance on the Brexit deal: no possible renegotiation with Britain.

Merkel referred to what has been achieved at European level this year, including unified rules for online shopping, better working conditions for truck drivers and the consolidation of common climate protection goals.

In addition, Merkel saw further challenges for Europe, including digitization, globalization and artificial intelligence as well as research, for example, battery cell production and chip production.

For the European Parliament elections in May next year, Germany faces the task of making it even easier for citizens to realize the advantages of European integration, said Merkel.

"All these are things that we can only better regulate together in Europe in order to be able to really maintain our prosperity," says the Chancellor.