Germany vs. the Eurozone

Germany has the fifth largest economy in the world and the largest economy in Europe. The German economy has withstood the European sovereign debt crisis, in which some European countries are unable to repay or refinance their government debt without assistance from a third party. Some people say that since Germany has the strongest economy in Europe, it should help those struggling European economies.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who was successfully re-elected for a historic third term in September 2013, reminded Germans that their future was tied to the direction of Europe.

Merkel has suggested that debtor countries enter into 'contracts' with European institutions in exchange for aid. Debtor countries have resisted Germany's austerity recommendations on grounds that Germany is infringing on their sovereignty. Although they need Germany's financial support, they do not want Germany to dictate their economy. They prefer to raise taxes rather than follow Germany's recommendations to reform their labor and product markets, which are preventing their economic growth.

Ultimately, what should Germany do to resolve the Eurozone Crisis?

What will Germany do?

Join us as we discuss Germany and the Eurozone crisis.

References are below.

As always...

All views and political orientations are welcome.

We welcome beginners and policy wonks alike. Feel free to join the discussion or just to listen and learn.

If you sign up and change your mind, please change your reply so that someone else may attend.

Meetup to last 1.5 hours (until 5:30 PM) although, of course, people are welcome to continue beyond that point.

References:

Angela All Alone (http://www.economist.com/blogs/charlemagne/2013/12/battle-euro-zone-reforms?zid=295&ah=0bca374e65f2354d553956ea65f756e0)

Germany's Central Bank and the Eurozone (http://www.cfr.org/world/germanys-central-bank-eurozone/p29934)

Don't Blame Germany for the Eurozone's Travails (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/comment/jeremy-warner/10441966/Dont-blame-Germany-for-the-eurozones-travails-blame-the-euro-itself.html)

Angela Merkel: Fixing Eurozone is Vital for Germany (http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/angela-merkel-fixing-eurozone-vital-germany-1430682)