‘Defend our borders’: Merkel urges Europe to tighten border security citing threat of nationalism

German Chancellor Angela Merkel says the EU risks sliding into “nationalism” if it fails to secure its external borders against an immense wave of refugees. Merkel’s call coincides with reports that Berlin is pushing to establish a Germany-led EU army.

At a joint press-conference with Italian PM Matteo Renzi on Thursday, Germany’s leader called on her EU counterparts to step up joint efforts to stem the uncontrolled migration that has continued to plague Europe.

“Either we defend our external borders and we do it together or we risk falling back into nationalism,” she said, emphasizing that the task of protecting common European frontiers “from the Mediterranean to the North Pole” should be shared by all European countries for the sake of Europe’s future.

READ MORE: EU Commission backs visa-free travel deal with Turkey

More than one million immigrants, predominantly from the Middle East and North Africa, crossed into the continent last year, challenging the border-free Schengen zone and forcing several countries to introduce restrictions.

“This is not a challenge for Greece, Germany, or Italy, but these are challenges that have to do with the future of Europe,” Merkel stressed.

Citing possible measures to resolve the crisis, Merkel backed Italy’s proposal that would see the EU offer direct financial aid to African countries to help them contain mass migration and fight human trafficking.

In her remarks, Merkel referred to the “migration compact,” a non-official memorandum drawn up by the Italian government and sent to EU institutions last month. Among other foreseen measures, the document maps out a partnership agreement to be signed with the nations of the migrants’ origin, while presupposing that European bonds would be issued to fund the proposal. “If we concentrate on the European budget, we will find (the money),” Merkel said, estimating the sum required to implement the plan at €1 billion ($1.14 billion).

Although Merkel opposed the idea of the debt pooling, she endorsed a pan-European approach to solving the migrant issue.

Read more
© Alkis Konstantinidis

“Even though there are different views on the financing, we have the same opinion on the overall effort,” she said.

The talks in Rome took place only a few days after a defense white paper was leaked suggesting that Berlin has renewed its push to create common European armed forces, with Germany taking a leading role.

“German security policy has relevance – also for beyond our country. Germany is willing to join early, decisively and substantially as a driving force in international debates... to take responsibility and assume leadership,” reads the paper, obtained by the Financial Times.

The draft argues that Europe’s current defense forces can’t stand up to international competition and their fragmented nature prevents the EU from successfully launching joint operations. The authors urge EU-members to boost the block’s military capabilities, which should be “jointly planned, developed, managed, procured and deployed” in order to “raise the interoperability of Europe’s defense forces and to further improve Europe’s capacity to act.”

Germany has long sought to expand the EU’s military powers – a move that some view as an attempt to create a pan-European military structure not fully dependent on NATO.

German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schäuble unveiled a proposal in December to pool the national armies of the EU’s 28 member-states into a common “European Army” so that the block could take a more active role in combatting conflicts in Middle Eastern and African countries.

Read more
A Marder armoured infantry vehicle drives past German Bundeswehr armed forces soldiers © Fabrizio Bensch

The white paper was initially to be made public before the British referendum on EU membership scheduled to be held on June 23, but its publication was reportedly delayed out of concern that it could cater to the “Leave” camp, since the establishment of a “European Army” would necessitate giving up more authority to EU institutions.

The document drew a sharp reaction from some pro-Brexit British politicians after being revealed by the Financial Times.

READ MORE: German plans for EU army ‘dangerous fantasy that diverts money

Former Tory Defense Secretary and a Brexit campaigner Liam Fox branded the plan “a dangerous fantasy that diverts money away from NATO.”

“It is typical of the EU to make these sovereignty threatening decisions behind closed doors, and then to gradually implement them before finally presenting the desired outcome as a fait accomplice to the people of Europe,”said UKIP Defense Spokesman Mike Hookem, while lambasting the proposal.

However, the controversial proposal received support from former UK prime minister and Brexit “Stay” advocate Tony Blair, who said he hoped the pan-European armed forces would not substitute NATO, but “would have the independent ability to take military action at times when Europe’s security interests are threatened when the US may decide not to be involved.”

http://www.rt.com/news/342015-merkel-eu-security-nationalism-army/

a hand of force always be with the hand of help. witch one will you respons? there should be a do then talk. otherwise will be totaly some kind of kerry.king's talk shows. do not fear the war it self but faith.

Something to keep in mind, is that Europe has a lot of negative history associated with the rise of nationalism. It's not the same as patriotism.

Funny you should say that. I have been mulling that over.
Because I am reading articles, & watching news clips, where people, 2 to a group, are being referred to as 'Nationalist' in a very negative light.
In other words, anyone that disagrees with Merkel, or that wants to slow or stop the 10 year migration is 'Anti- everything'.
This is NOT good.
Nationism is not necessarily bad or taboo ideology.
Neither is leaving the EU.
Which appears to be exactly what she is afraid of.
Her SUDDENLY acting as if she wants to protect everyone proves it.

she was indoctrinated well by her Collectivist Masters in the GDR!

seems they're more worried about losing their democratic tyranny more than anything else...

Sheeeesh!

** Fascism can spread to any STATE ...

explain Fascism!
Seems you are Fascinated by it,or at least occupied!

I hear ya...you and yours better be ready for it.

Of course nationalism as we think of it here, generally, isn't a bad thing. As with many large concepts, however, it CAN refer to, or be pursued in a manner which IS very bad. In Europe especially, over the last century, nationalism has been the banner cause which was used to excuse or facilitate imperialism, persecution of minorities, and wars of aggression against each other. A large part of why they tried to form the current European union, was to put a stop to that.

Now. It's a separate issue, whether or not the E.U. itself is a good idea as currently structured, and it can be opposed for reasons other than appeals to nationalism. And it's also possible that this particular woman might be more concerned about nationalism than she ought to be.

As is so often the case, insufficient information has as yet been presented.

so,you actually don't know,and do not have the Info necessary to know?

http://youtu.be/D24zRaNWJQA/
03:04 RT & News

Merkel warns EU could ‘fall back into nationalism’ unless it protects its borders

Published on May 8, 2016

German Chancellor Angela Merkel says the EU risks sliding into “nationalism” if it fails to secure its external borders against an immense wave of refugees. Merkel’s call coincides with reports that Berlin is pushing to establish a Germany-led EU army. Peter Oliver has the latest from Germany.

Recent poll (on link)

I don't thing the EU has a clue... yet. You are seeing what happens with Liberalism clashes with reality. The problem, as we in the US are seeing now, is that there is no practical way back. Excessive Liberalism is a one way street to hell.

Look at Greece.

"I don't thing the EU has a clue"

Well.. They are certainly doing everything they can trying to make ' Nationalism' a dirty word.

Right wing nationalism is alive and well in Europe.

We will see if they can beat back the tide of the left wing fascism that has taken hold.

Looks like Frau Merkel is getting cold Feet,getting Second Thoughts!
Seems to forget she was the Idiot giving Carte Blanche to the Invaders!