European Strategy

Reinventing Europe: Germany debates political union

  • Ulrike Guérot
  • Commentary

As part of the ’Reinventing Europe' project, ECFR is publishing a series of papers on the national debates within EU member states over the crisis and the future direction of Europe. The sixth paper in the series analyses the situation in Germany ahead of the Constitutional Court's crucial ESM verdict.  

‘Political union’: A German Europe or disintegration?

  • Hans Kundnani
  • Commentary

As speculation about a Greek exit from the eurozone continues, Germany is pushing ahead with plans for a new treaty that might result in a transformation of the EU – or its disintegration.  

The Long Shadow of Ordoliberalism

  • Sebastian Dullien, Ulrike Guérot
  • Commentary

In its attempts to rescue the euro, Germany is often seen as the odd country out. However, what is seldom understood abroad is that the German position is about more than limiting its own fiscal exposure.  

Merkel is our only hope

  • Mark Leonard
  • Commentary

The British debate on Germany and the euro should focus on understanding Merkel's technocratic ideas without invoking Hitler and the Second World War. The best way to get Germany to abandon its counterproductive economic reforms is to talk about a compelling European future, rather than dwelling on the past.  

The dark flip-side of European technocracy

  • Mark Leonard
  • Commentary

The elitist and technocractic nature of German politics means that the case for European integration is not being made to the German people. Worryingly this is also giving an opportunity for anti-EU populists to gain influence.  

Two dangerous myths about a ‘Grexit’

  • Sebastian Dullien
  • Commentary

Two myths about a Greek exit from the euro have recently gained traction. Both are misguided and both are extremely dangerous. Here are the reasons why.