German Federal President: EU must be made ‘future-proof’
Madrid (dpa) – In light of dangers to the European Union from both outside and within, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier has called for making the EU “future-proof”. “We need reforms to become faster and more decisive”, Steinmeier said at a joint session of the Spanish Congress and Senate in Madrid. Germany and Spain wanted these reforms.
Steinmeier warned: “We must not allow ourselves to be held back on the path to a stronger, more solidary, and social Europe that knows how to assert itself in the world by those who increasingly question our common values and advocate a new nationalism.” He is firmly convinced that Europe will pass the current test. “The foundation of democracy and freedom in Europe is being shaken from both outside and within,” Steinmeier said. He referred to the Russian war of aggression in Ukraine, which has shattered the post-war peace order. At the same time, extremist and populist movements are gaining strength and attacking the pillars of liberal democracies.
The President and his wife Elke Büdenbender arrived in Spain for a three-day state visit in the morning. They were welcomed with military honors at the Royal Palace in Madrid by King Felipe VI. and Queen Letizia. This was followed by an initial conversation between the two heads of state.
Germans have “committed grave guilt” in Gernika
In his speech at the state banquet in the evening, Steinmeier acknowledged the “grave guilt” of the Germans in the bombing of the town of Gernika by the “Condor Legion” during the Spanish Civil War. The small town was three-quarters destroyed. It was the first massive bombing attack on the defenseless civilian population of an entire city in European history. “This crime was committed by Germans,” Steinmeier said according to a pre-released text of his speech. Gernika serves as a reminder to stand up for peace, freedom, and the protection of human rights. (November 26)
