1. What is Germany’s role in EU?
Is Germany the leader?
Group 5
Day 3

2. What is Germany’s role in EU? Is Germany the leader?
Germany Economic Indicators
Germany’s Role in the EU/Why is Germany leading EU
Future Challenges for Germany as leader of EU

3. Germany Located in west-central Europe.
Has the largest population (81.2 million people).
The largest economy within the EU (21% of total EU GDP).
Relays very much on exports.
Founder member country of the EU in 1958.

4. Germany
Source:

5. Germany Is the country that contributes the most to the EU.
Source:

6. Germany’s Role in the EU
“Germany should focused on strengthening the EU by working to create the conditions necessary for a truly common European Foreign and Security Policy” (Frank-Walter Steinmeier, German Foreign Minister).

7. Germany’s Role in the EU/Why is Germany leading EU
Leading Economic and Fiscal Reform because European debt crisis:
Austerity programs in EU countries with high debt (Ex. Greece).
Promote economic and financial strategies, such as Stability and Growth Pact, Fiscal Compact and Austerity.
Measures aimed to improve the competitiveness in EU (2013/2GDP+0.3%；2014/1GDP+0.2%).
Initiative to set up Free Trade Zone and sign FTA.

8. Germany’s Role in the EU/Why is Germany leading EU
The Euro crisis did not revealed the socio-economic differences existing in Europe, and with this crisis the prospect of convergence among countries less developed disappear and the differences increased. So due potential conflicts in Europe, is was necessary that Germany could take political decisions on the European Stage.
Neither Italy or France (also founder members) haven't implemented significant reforms in order to manage the social and economic disparities existing in the EU, putting Germany in the role and position of “central power”.
“Germany could help shorten the period of adjustment in the euro zone and support economic recovery by taking steps to reduce its trade surplus, even as other euro-area countries continue to reduce their deficits”.

9. Future Challenges for Germany as leader of EU
There are 2 important events that have contributed to the political debate about Germany’s role in the EU:
Greek Debt Crisis
Strong flows of immigrants in Europe (refugee crisis)
Now the concerned is not only about economic and legal matters, is also related to the security and defense areas. EU countries can no longer isolate themselves from international relations.
Fears + Expectations: criticism that Germany will use European institutions to pursue its national interest, undermining the EU’s original structures.
Re-build a political centre of countries jointly, to push for European Solutions.