Merkel: Europe Inconceivable without Euro

German Chancellor Angela Merkel flashes a smile at the annual summer press conference in Berlin, Germany, 22 July 2011. EPA/BGNES

As Greece received a second bailout, German Chancellor Angela Merkel has declared Germany's firm resolve to support the common European currency, while rejecting criticism that she acted belatedly to resolve the euro zone debt crisis.

Speaking at a press conference in Berlin on Friday, after she and the EU leaders agreed on a second EU-IMF bailout loan, Merkel declared herself to be "a passionate European", as cited by DPA.

The German Chancellor has been criticized by leading politicians and market analysts for being slow and unwilling to react in the euro zone debt crisis since it became evident in 2010, when Greece was granted its first bailout.

"If I had as much passion for everything as I have for Europe my day would last 48 hours. This is a Merkelish-kind of passion and it is quite intense. Our historic task is to support the euro. It's part of Germany's success. A Europe without the euro is no longer conceivable," Merkel declared in Berlin, refuting claims that she was not committed to the euro.

The German leader has also expressed confidence that the heavily indebted members of the euro zone would successfully implement their far-reaching economic reforms.

"Together we will make it. Every member of the eurozone knows what their responsibility is," she declared, adding that the leaders of the countries around which the euro zone debt crisis is centered - Greece, Portugal and Ireland – have the needed political will to push their austerity programs.

Merkel also reaffirmed her plans to stand at the next national elections set down for 2013. "Аs you can see, I love my job. And it is not anticipated that this will change quickly," she said as cited by DPA.

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