Photos: Hollande and Merkel debate Europe and the challenges it faces with MEPs
French President Francois Hollande and German Chancellor Angela Merkel debated Europe and the challenges it is facing with MEPs on 7 October in Strasbourg. Welcoming them, EP President Martin Schulz called their visit "a symbol of Franco-German reconciliation and European unity". The two leaders spoke for about half an hour each, followed by interventions by the heads of the political groups, after which Hollande and Merkel had a chance to respond to what they had heard.
François Hollande and Angela Merkel arrive at the Parliament
Flag ceremony shortly after arriving
François Hollande and Angela Merkel with EP President Martin Schulz and Spanish King Felipe VI
François Hollande and Angela Merkel greet Jean-Claude Juncker, president of the European Commission, in the plenary chamber
François Hollande takes the floor
Angela Merkel addresses MEPs
MEPs show their appreciation
François Hollande during his address to MEPs
Angela Merkel discusses the refugee crisis and the future of Europe during her address
MEPs react to what is being said by François Hollande and Angela Merkel
Angela Merkel and François Hollande
President Hollande spoke out against the temptation to "to retreat into national shells" which would condemn Europe to "powerlessness". Instead he advocated an "outgoing Europe, capable of upholding its interests and values".
Chancellor Merkel called for a common approach to the refugee crisis: "For hundreds of years people left Europe. Now Europe is where people come to to fulfil their hopes and escape their fears."
Check out our slideshow for photos of the debate.
