BERLIN (AP) — German Chancellor Angela Merkel is calling for countries to give up more powers to Europe “step by step” as the continent tries to claw its way out of the debt crisis and says a “political union” is needed as leaders prepare for a closely watched summit later this month.

However, Merkel, who appeared on ARD public television’s breakfast show today amid pressure on Germany to defuse the crisis, downplayed prospects of reaching a big solution to Europe’s troubles at the June 28-29 summit in Brussels. The troubles of Spain’s banking system and concern over Greece’s future in the 17-country eurozone have generated uncertainty over the continent’s economic outlook.

“I don’t think that there is a single summit at which the big design will appear,” Merkel said, suggesting the meeting would be an opportunity to press forward with already established plans.

European officials in Brussels and several fellow eurozone countries are pushing Germany to accept new measures, such as jointly issued eurobonds or a central banking authority, that would help defuse concerns about excessive debt in weak countries. But Berlin is against such steps in the near term, worrying that they would lower incentives for weak states to fix the finances and would cost German taxpayers more money.

Today, Merkel repeated her motto for greater integration — “We need more Europe” — but did not offer details on how, or how quickly, she was willing to embrace new measures other countries are asking her to accept.