Germany and the Euro

German Budgetary contributions

• 2003 figures –
• Forecast 2005
• figures show a
• German
• contribution of
• €21 313 Million
• (Source Europa)

From shifting trade patterns, to a new economy, and a different Germany within the EU

• Increase in imports from EU partners such as Italy, to provide for the new demand in goods from the east. Between 1989 and 1991, imports of goods and services increased by almost 23.5% in terms of value. (Source www.fatemi.com)
• The implementation of the acquis communautaire of EU Law and Treaties.
• Increased unemployment due to the deindustrialisation of the East
• From ‘Junior’ member to ‘Senior’ role. Taking a firm stance on the EMU convergence criteria and formulating a more assertive role in foreign policy e.g. German insistence on EU recognition of Bosnia, Croatia and Slovenia in 1992, are instances which are reflective of a gradual and, ‘silent revolution… affecting relations between EU members and future EU development’. (E. Kirchner, (1996) Developments in German Politics 2, p.159 )
• German Reunification as a precursor to Eastern enlargement: German reunification was symbolic of European unification and paved the way for the Central and Eastern European expansion in the 2000s.