President Obama urges Europe to unite with strength

Mr Obama urged European allies to increase defence spending to address the so-called Islamic State group and other security threats. He made this statement in Germany.
Wrapping up a trip that has focused on boosting trade ties, the US President pleaded with Europeans to look past the multiple crises facing their nations and maintain the unity that had brought peace to their continent.

His comments came after he earlier traveled to London, where he urged Britain to stay in the 28-nationEuropean Union, boosting efforts by Prime Minister David Cameron to avoid a "Brexit".
"I've come here today to the heart of Europe to say that the United States and the entire world needs a strong and prosperous and democratic and united Europe," Mr Obama said during a visit to a trade fair in the northern Germany city of Hanover, drawing applause from his audience.
He again said worries over Russia's annexation of Crimea and slow economic growth, particularly in southern Europe, had led to questions about integration on the continent and sparked destructive politics that stoked fears about immigrants and people with different religions.

Source: RTE