Merkel Urges EU to Rise to the Biggest Challenge in Its History

Chancellor Angela Merkel urged the European Union to forge a common path to confront what she called the biggest challenge in its history, calling on member states to reach agreement on an ambitious recovery plan this summer.

On her first trip outside Germany since Europe went into lockdown in March to contain the coronavirus, Merkel told EU lawmakers in Brussels that member states not only need to overcome the economic fallout but establish a united bloc outfitted for the future challenges of climate change and the digital economy.

“Europe will emerge stronger after the crisis if we strengthen the common ...