Hanover (Germany) (AFP) - US President Barack Obama made an impassioned plea for European unity in the face of rising populism and scepticism about the European Uni-on Monday, urging the continent to recognise its own achievements.
"A strong and united Europe is a necessity for the world," Obama said in a landmark speech in the German city of Hanover, as he contrasted the prosperity of today with the wars and hardship of the last century.
Visiting a continent reeling f-rom a migration crisis, economic stasis and facing the prospect of Britain abandoning the European Uni-on, Obama said "the entire world needs a strong and prosperous and democratic and united Europe."
While he admitted that European institutions can be frustrating, he argued "turning inward" is not the answer to Europe's problems.
Obama also called on Europe to carry more of the shared burden for security.
"Europe has sometimes been complacent about its own defence," Obama said bluntly.
Underlining that NATO has to "bolster our frontline allies in Poland, in Romania and in Baltic states" while also "meet the threat of its southern flank", Obama urged members of the alliance to increase their defence capacities.
"That's why every NATO member should be contributing its full share of two percent of GDP towards our common security. Something that doesn't always happen," he said.
Obama's host country and Europe's economic heavyweight Germany has been frequently criticised for spending well below the target on defence capabilities.
