Merkel has described efforts to end the crisis surrounding the Euro as an 'existential task'

German Chancellor Angela Merkel has described efforts to end the crisis surrounding the Euro as an "existential task" for both Germany and Europe. Her comments came during a statement to parliament today. Merkel said - at stake was the protection of what she called the "European idea". In her speech she addressed both the rescue package for the common European currency and the proprosals for tighter regulation of financial markets.