German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier made a rallying cry for Europe's future global competitiveness at a City of London banquet Thursday, as he wrapped up the second day of his UK state visit.

Addressing guests inside the historic Guildhall in the British capital's financial district, Steinmeier urged the continent to adopt some of the so-called Square Mile's innovative "spirit" to counter a narrative of decline.

"In future, we Europeans can only be strong if we redefine our role and discover a new self-confidence," the German head of state, accompanied by his wife Elke Budenbender, told the gilded audience of business leaders and others.

Lauding Europe's "capital, talent, infrastructure... legal certainty", he urged the continent to "catch up in the digital economy" and regain its

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