title: 'He can count on us:' German SPD minister hails Macron's EU speech
text: BERLIN (Reuters) - German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel, a senior member of the Social Democrats (SPD), on Tuesday lauded French President Emmanuel Macron s proposals to strengthen the European Union.  Emmanuel Macron today held a courageous, a passionate plea against nationalism and for Europe - a Europe which he wants to reform, strengthen and unite with our help,  Gabriel said.  Right now, we need to seize this opportunity for Franco-German initiatives to make Europe more democratic, involve the citizens and make it fit for the future,  Gabriel said. Gabriel said a joint determination by EU member states was needed to resolve problems in Europe, adding:  He can count on us.  