German Chancellor Angela Merkel says that with signs of the European financial crisis easing, Europe must not only focus on overcoming the debt crisis, but should also give the same amount of attention to economic growth as well.

The German chancellor made the remarks at a joint news conference with Italian Prime Minister Mario Monti following a bilateral meeting in Rome.

She said that Europe must pursue economic growth and sharpen its competitiveness.

Merkel stressed that individual European countries must strengthen their finances and reform themselves appropriately in order to keep the entire European community strong.