SPIEGEL ONLINE
- May 15, 2013
European leaders had hoped to quickly finalize plans for an EU banking union to regulate bank bailouts and provide a roadmap for unwinding insolvent financial institutions. But with the German election looming, Berlin is wary of moving forward. The result could be a lengthy delay. By Carsten Volkery more... [ Forum ]
SPIEGEL ONLINE
- May 13, 2013
The European Central Bank would like to encourage banks in Southern Europe to issue more loans. But Berlin is concerned that a planned move to trigger such lending could violate EU treaties. German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schäuble has hit the brakes. more...
SPIEGEL ONLINE
- May 09, 2013
German central bank head Jens Weidmann has strongly criticized French efforts to reduce its budget deficit, just days after the European Union granted Paris more time to meet EU requirements. He warns that French delays could damage the credibility of euro-zone rules. more... [ Forum ]
SPIEGEL ONLINE
- April 09, 2013
The visit of US Treasury Secretary Jacob Lew to Europe this week has highlighted the deep trans-Atlantic divide over Brussels' austerity-driven response to the euro crisis. Washington would like to see measures to stimulate growth. But none are likely to be forthcoming. more... [ Forum ]
SPIEGEL ONLINE
- March 22, 2013
Angela Merkel is known for her measured approach to even the most controversial issues. The crisis in Cyprus, however, has enraged the German chancellor. In parliamentary meetings on Friday morning, she did little to disguise her fury -- though she shoulders some of the blame herself. By Severin Weiland and Philipp Wittrock more... [ Forum ]
SPIEGEL ONLINE
- February 25, 2013
Cypriot voters clearly expressed their preference for a euro-zone bailout of their financially struggling nation on Sunday, electing the conservative Nicos Anastasiades to be the country's next president. But Berlin remains skeptical and immediately pressured the incoming president to speed up reforms. more... [ Forum ]
SPIEGEL ONLINE
- February 19, 2013
Top politicians tend to remain silent on elections being held abroad. But German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle this week has issued a barely concealed warning to Italians against voting for Silvio Berlusconi. And he isn't the only one in Berlin who is nervous about a possible return of "Il Cavaliere." more... [ Forum ]
SPIEGEL ONLINE
- January 30, 2013
German leaders are concerned that emergency euro-zone aid to Cyprus will merely serve to help the Russian oligarchs who use the island nation as a tax haven. With pressure growing to approve a bailout deal, however, Berlin now appears to be changing its tune. more... [ Forum ]
SPIEGEL ONLINE
- January 28, 2013
The head of the European Central Bank, Mario Draghi, warned German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schäuble last week not to dismiss Cyprus as not being 'systemically relevant' and said a failure to bail out the island nation could threaten the wider euro zone. more...
SPIEGEL ONLINE
- December 28, 2012
German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schäuble said on Friday that he believes "we have the worst behind us" in the euro crisis. But not everyone agrees. A leading government advisor warns that risks are looming in Italy and even Merkel isn't ready to sound the all-clear just yet. more...
