Month: July 2021

President Joe Biden and German Chancellor Angela Merkel met on Thursday during what is likely to be her last visit to Washington as the head of state before she leaves office.  Biden praised Merkel, noting she was Germany’s first female chancellor, whose tenure lasted through four American presidents. At a White House news conference, Biden lauded Merkel’s tenure as “strong, principled leadership” and for “never failing to defend human dignity. Here’s an exemplary life of groundbreaking service to Germany, and I might add … to the world.”

However there were many issues on the political agenda when the two leaders sat down for a private one-on-one meeting, including the split between the U.S. and Germany over Nord Stream 2, the gas pipeline that would run from Russia to Germany. Biden said he raised concerns about the pipeline with Merkel and that the two leaders agreed to look for “practical measures” that could be taken to ensure energy is not used as coercive tool against Ukraine or other allies.

Other issues discussed was the United State’s refusal to lift its pandemic restrictions on travel, despite Germany, France and other EU countries seeing COVID cases plummet amid vaccination rollouts. Biden suggested a decision on the travel ban could be coming in a matter of days, answering a German reporter: “It’s in the process now. I’m waiting to hear from … our COVID team as to when that should be done.” Merkel noted the highly contagious delta variant of the coronavirus was a factor, saying it has been a challenge for both the U.S. and Germany.

Severe flooding in Western Europe after the area experienced levels of rain not seen in a century caused over 40 deaths in Germany as flash floods swept through the countries, causing buildings to collapse.  At least six died in Belgium, and the neighboring countries of Luxembourg and the Netherlands were also affected.

Authorities said at least 28 people died in the German state of Rhineland-Palatinate and 18 people died in the district of Ahrweiler.  Police said as many as 50 people in Germany were trapped on rooftops while at least 70 people are missing. The German Weather Service on Wednesday had issued a warning of extreme precipitation for the western region of the country.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel said in a statement: “I am shocked by the catastrophe that so many people in the flood areas have to suffer. My condolences go out to the relatives of the dead and missing. I thank the many tireless helpers and emergency services from the bottom of my heart.”

U.S. President Joe Biden, who met with Merkel as she visited the White House on Thursday, said: “I want to express to you and to the people of Germany my sincere condolences and the condolence of the American people for the devastating loss of life and the destruction due to the flooding over the past 24 hours in Germany and neighboring countries. It’s a tragedy and our hearts go out to the families who have lost loved ones.”