(Bloomberg) -- The European Union is facing the biggest challenge since its foundation, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said in her starkest warning yet about the political impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

“Everyone has been hit equally by this and it must be in the interest of everyone and of Germany that Europe emerges stronger from this test,” Merkel said in a press briefing. “The answer can only be: More Europe, a stronger Europe and a well-functioning Europe.”

She reiterated her support for the use of the European Stability Mechanism and the European Commission’s proposal for job protection and said Europe will need a plan for reconstruction after the pandemic subsides.

Merkel returned to her office on Friday after a 12-day, self-enforced quarantine. At least three tests showed the 65-year-old German chancellor was free of the coronavirus.

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