German president: Europe should have confidence as economic power

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier on Thursday urged Europe to act with more confidence as an economic power, on the second day of his visit to Spain.

Steinmeier and King Felipe VI jointly opened a German-Spanish economic forum.

Europe is a market with more than 450 million people, he pointed out. "We have a strong presence and influence, and we can use this influence," Steinmeier said.

If decision-making in the bloc becomes faster and clearer, it would help Europe wield this influence, he argued.

Europe has to "stand firm" and actively respond to the pressures from outside, such as Russia's war on Ukraine, and the questioning of basic values by the US, he said.

On Wednesday, Steinmeier called for Europe to be made fit for the future at a joint session of the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate in Madrid.

"We need reforms to become faster and more decisive," he said in his speech to both houses of parliament.

Steinmeier is due to hold talks with Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez later on Thursday, with the economy and Ukraine war likely to feature highly.

He is expected to thank Sánchez for his support for Ukraine. Spain has just pledged €817 million ($947 million) in new aid to the country as it defends itself against Russia's invasion.

Steinmeier also plans to award footballer Toni Kroos the Federal Cross of Merit.

Kroos, who played in Spain for Real Madrid for many years, won the World Cup with the German national team in Brazil in 2014. He ended his football career last year with a victory in the Champions League and participation in the UEFA European Championship.

However, the 35-year-old is being honoured less for his successes on the football pitch than for his social engagement.