Europe must set its own destiny, says Angela Merkel

Berlin: Angela Merkel marked her return to the political front line with a call for Europe to assert its interests more forcefully as US President Donald Trump punches holes in the world order. In her first television interview after the summer break, the German chancellor said Europe needs to take on more global responsibility, including on defence. As Trump attacks Germany’s economic prowess and pursues a global trade war while Italy clashes with its European Union partners over migration, Merkel is being thrust into Europe’s pivotal role. Fresh from hosting her old adversary Vladimir Putin in Germany, she stopped in Azerbaijan to back a gas pipeline meant as a counterweight to Russian supplies. This week, Merkel travels to three African countries to promote investment and growth as a way to curb migration to Europe. She’s also expected to talk with  French President.