German Chancellor Angela Merkel called for a united balance of forces within the EU in a changing balance of forces. 

Merkel considers the geostrategic strengthening of Russia to be one of the reasons for the changes that require a more active role of the EU, and the growing rivalry between the US and China is another, DW reported.

Merkel praised the efforts of the authorities of Russia and Ukraine amid the recent exchange of detainees.

According to the head of the federal government, the EU must overcome the technological gap, as Europe does not keep up with the times in all areas. According to Merkel, a globally oriented European Commission will be able to help modernize the EU.

The chance has not yet been lost to reach a deal on Brexit, the chancellor believes, in any case, the German government will do everything possible to the last minute to prevent a tough option for Brexit. However, Germany and the EU should be prepared both for a tough Brexit and for a strong economic competitor to appear on the threshold of the EU after it, the Chancellor said.