Merkel: Europe ‘On Thin Ice’ Amid Delta Virus Variant Rise

Merkel: Europe ‘On Thin Ice’ Amid Delta Virus Variant Rise
German Chancellor Angela Merkel delivers her speech ahead of an EU summit at the German Bundestag in Berlin, Germany, on June 24, 2021. Markus Schreiber/AP Photo
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BERLIN—German Chancellor Angela Merkel said Thursday that Europe is “on thin ice” in its battle against the coronavirus, as the highly contagious delta variant threatens to undo progress made in reducing infections.

In what may be her last government declaration to the German parliament, Merkel said the further response to the pandemic would be a main topic of discussion among European Union leaders at a meeting in Brussels on Thursday.