SPIEGEL ONLINE
- May 25, 2012
Anxieties have reached a new high in Europe as uncertainty reigns over a potential Greek exit from the euro zone and new figures raise fears that the crisis may be affecting the German economy. German commentators on Friday review the currency union's options. more...
SPIEGEL ONLINE
- May 25, 2012
With Europe beginning to look for alternatives to its exclusive focus on austerity, the German government has developed a six-point plan to foster economic growth in Europe, SPIEGEL has learned. Included in the proposal is the creation of special economic zones in struggling euro-zone countries. more... [ Forum ]
SPIEGEL ONLINE
- May 24, 2012
With Greeks heading to the polls once again in June, finance ministries in euro-zone member states are preparing for the worst. Several media outlets are reporting that contingency plans are being developed to prepare for a Greek exit from the common currency zone. more...
SPIEGEL ONLINE
- May 24, 2012
French President François Hollande managed to set the tone at his first EU summit with his proposal for euro bonds. It was the first such meeting in years that was not dominated by Chancellor Merkel. Hollande wanted to send the message that France will be more assertive in the future. By Carsten Volkery in Brussels more... [ Forum ]
SPIEGEL ONLINE
- May 23, 2012
In a SPIEGEL interview, Nobel Prize-winning economist Paul Krugman argues that this is not the time to worry about debt and inflation. To save the euro zone, he argues that the European Central Bank should loosen monetary policy and the German government should abandon austerity. more... [ Forum ]
SPIEGEL ONLINE
- May 23, 2012
New French President François Hollande has been consistent in his demands for measures to stimulate economic growth in the European Union. But so far, Hollande has been vague about exactly what he wants. His moment of truth will arrive on Wednesday night. By Carsten Volkery in London more...
SPIEGEL ONLINE
- May 22, 2012
Germany is Europe's paymaster because it committed the Holocaust, claims a new book by Thilo Sarrazin, a firebrand author and former board member of the German central bank. The claim by the controversial writer achieved the desired effect of stoking publicity for Tuesday's launch of 'Europe Doesn't Need the Euro.' more...
SPIEGEL ONLINE
- May 21, 2012
Greece's tourism industry, crucial to its ailing economy, has been hit hard by the political turmoil following the May 6 election and growing speculation of a Greek euro exit, tourism experts say. One industry leader reports bookings have been down 50 percent since the vote. more...
SPIEGEL ONLINE
- May 21, 2012
The European Central Bank is keeping Greek banks afloat with emergency assistance even though urgently needed banking reforms have been put on hold in the election campaigns. As Greeks withdraw money from the banks amid fears of a euro exit, the ECB's own risk exposure is mounting. By Anne Seith more... [ Forum ]
SPIEGEL ONLINE
- May 21, 2012
French President François Hollande has reignited the debate over euro bonds ahead of this week's informal EU summit. Germany has repeated its opposition to jointly issued debt. German commentators are divided over the merits of euro bonds, but agree that Chancellor Merkel will have to make concessions. more... [ Forum ]
SPIEGEL ONLINE
- May 21, 2012
Officially, euro zone governments say they're not talking about a Greek exit from the euro zone. But it's a different story behind closed doors. Finance ministers meeting in Brussels last Monday threatened to evict Greece, SPIEGEL has learned. Meanwhile, Germany denied reports that Chancellor Angela Merkel called for Greece to hold a referendum on the euro. more...
SPIEGEL ONLINE
- May 21, 2012
German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schäuble wants to become the head of the Euro Group, but this prospect is being met with ample skepticism. In Berlin he is seen as too European, while in Brussels he is considered too German. Critics say taking on the second job would cause a conflict of interest. By Andreas Macho, Christian Reiermann and Christoph Schult more...
SPIEGEL ONLINE
- May 21, 2012
French President François Hollande will put German Chancellor Angela Merkel under pressure at Wednesday's EU summit to agree to euro bonds, which she has so far strictly opposed. Italy and Britain are expected to back Hollande in a further sign that Merkel is increasingly isolated in Europe with her austerity plan for saving the euro. more...
SPIEGEL ONLINE
- May 21, 2012
In a SPIEGEL interview, British Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg argues that the European Union has to stand together to fight the crisis. The euro zone needs a clear vision for its future, he argues, otherwise Europe will see a new wave of nationalism and xenophobia. more... [ Forum ]
