German Chancellor Angela Merkel says 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.
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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.
She noted the number of COVID-19 cases in the 27-nation bloc continues to decline, while vaccination rates climb.
"Even though there is reason to be hopeful, the pandemic isn't over, in particular in the world's poor countries," she said.
"But in Germany and Europe we're also still moving on thin ice. We need to remain vigilant.
"In particular the newly arising variants, especially now the Delta variant, are a warning for us to continue to be careful."
EU health officials predicted on Wednesday the Delta variant will make up 90 per cent of all cases across the bloc by the end of August, showing the need for as many people as possible to be fully vaccinated.
Australian Associated Press
