Editorial: Farewell Angela Merkel and don’t worry, we’ll be okay

Things may be looking grim as the veteran chancellor bows out, but in spite of its problems, the EU is still a beacon of stability and prosperity in the world

Angela Merkel will stand down as chancellor as soon as Germany’s next government is installed. Picture: Getty

When Angela Merkel became chancellor of Germany in 2005, the European Union was in the ascendant. It had just expanded to embrace the countries of central Europe, was growing in influence around the world, and increasingly prosperous, stable and united.

The moment was fleeting. Within a few years, the EU was confronted by the crisis of the euro, the near-death experience of Greece, global financial collapse, the arrival of a million refugees, and Britain’s graceless ...