Nobody in Europe will be abandoned. Nobody in Europe will be excluded. Europe only succeeds if we work together.
Angela MerkelRead
If Europe today accounts for just over 7 per cent of the world's population, produces around 25 per cent of global GDP and has to finance 50 per cent of global social spending, then it's obvious that it will have to work very hard to maintain its prosperity and way of life.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Europe must put in significant effort to sustain its economic prosperity and social welfare.
This quote by Angela Merkel highlights the disproportionate economic burden Europe carries relative to its population size. With a small portion of the global population yet producing a significant share of global GDP and funding a large percentage of social spending, the quote points to the necessity for Europe to actively work to secure its economic future and quality of life for its citizens.
Themes
EuropePopulationEconomic ProsperityGlobal GdpSocial SpendingFuture
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech on economic policy, one could use this quote to emphasize the importance of proactive measures to maintain stability.
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During the course of 1989, more and more East Germans lost their fears of the state's repression and chicanery and went out on the streets. There was no turning back then. It is thanks to their courage the Wall was opened.
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