BERLIN, Jan. 1 (Xinhua) -- German Chancellor Angela Merkel said Monday that Germany would work to reactivate the European Union constitution and answer questions of German citizens about the EU.

    In a message marking the start of the German presidency of the EU, Merkel said, "If Europe is to remain able to act, it needs a constitutional treaty."

    "Here we are keen to make a contribution and will be consulting closely with our European partners in this connection, " she added. "By the end of our presidency we hope to have a road map showing how a constitutional treaty can become reality across Europe."

    The constitution has been soured since it was rejected by voters in both France and the Netherlands 18 months ago.

    She also called for unity within the bloc, saying that only a united Europe could tackle the challenges posed by globalization terrorism and war.

    Germany started to assume both EU and G-8 presidencies on Monday till the end of June.

    The chancellor also assured German citizens that her government would make effort to answer questions about the EU, saying that "Europe can remain strong only if people feel they have a real future."

    She said she would visit 52 cities in Germany to inform citizens about the bloc during the six month to come.