Posted on 09/16/2016 8:29:14 AM PDT by mandaladon
Bratislava (AFP) - German Chancellor Angela Merkel warned on Friday that the EU faces a "critical situation", as European leaders sought to plot the bloc's post-Brexit future at a summit without Britain.
The 27 leaders -- minus British Prime Minister Theresa May -- gathered at Bratislava's towering castle overlooking the River Danube, determined to respond to the challenges of mass migration, security, globalisation and a stuttering economy.
The aim was to thrash out a "roadmap" of reforms during talks in the Slovak capital's towering hilltop castle, and a boat trip down the Danube.
Merkel said the bloc simply had to improve but her influence as leader of the EU's biggest economy has been undermined by her unpopular decision to open Germany's doors last year to nearly a million refugees.
"We are in a critical situation. We have to show with our actions that we can get better," Merkel said as she arrived at the special summit.
French President Francois Hollande, the other half of the EU's "power couple" with Merkel, was equally blunt.
"We face either break-up, weakening -- or we choose the opposite, together giving Europe a purpose," said Hollande, who has made common cause with Berlin on boosting EU defence cooperation.
- 'Brutally honest' -
EU President Donald Tusk had warned on the eve of the summit that leaders must "have a sober and brutally honest assessment of the situation."
The leaders want to launch a "Bratislava Process" of reforms at this summit, to be further discussed in Malta early next year and then agreed in Rome in March 2017 to mark the 60th anniversary of the founding of the EU.
An EU official said the initial discussions had been "honest, without recriminations" while Tusk had submitted his "roadmap" in the afternoon session.
The migration crisis is the most divisive issue, with many Eastern European leaders blaming Merkel for opening the continent's doors to refugees from conflict in Syria and elsewhere.----------------When will they ever learn?
Uh, importing muzzies willy-nilly, creates a continuing crisis.
EU in critical condition after Merkel-sponsored Muslim invasion; after (and it’s not over) Greek lending debacle; after German dalliance with Turkey over visas and immigration. That’s why Brexit occurred, you silly ex-Commie East German cow!
Apparently they are willing to stand around, wring their hands and stick their thumb in their ear and see what happens since they’re not going to do anything until at least 2017. Just another group kicking the can on down the road.
[ EU in ‘critical situation’ after Brexit, warns Merkel ]
Good.
Let Russia have Europe - they will take better care of it. As long as the US can take UK.
Good!
I’m curious, just why would the US want the UK? Don’t we have enough mess of our own to clean up first? Unless maybe the London could somehow remain with the EU, it might be worthwhile.
Trade Alberta for New England first.
Good, kill it with fire.
None of them have real loyalty to the EU, therefore it will die ...except for the few who profit from its corruption.
The EU “may” have been a good idea. Uniting to a degree countries with tragic history of wars against one another could work ONLY if populated with people of a EUROPEAN history and culture. But the project would take time to solidly come to completion.
But bringing in MILLIONS of so-called refugees/ immigrants has destroyed their dream. These millions came, refusing to adopt the languages, customs, religions, mores and attitudes of the HOST.
Our country, years ago, showed how it could be done as the vast immigrant waves filled a virtually empty continent with people who, whithin a couple of generations became AMERICANS.
In Europe, the last thing the newcomers want is to become EUROPEANS.
Using the Tower of Babel as their central (marketing) theme wasn’t the greatest idea ... since the Tower of Babel.
I agree, Alberta would be a good swap for those arrogant New England commies. I met a young lady last year from Alberta, verrrrrrrrrry conservative.
And the skiing is arguablely better too.
I thought Britain was supposed to be critical if they chose Brexit. I’m shocked!
It’s been critical for years...
lets do a package deal. Alberta, Saskat. and Manitoba for the West Coast and New England. Michigan and Ohio are still salvageable so we’ll keep them
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