Germany Rising ?

[olddutch]

German Chancellor Merkel declared to the German parliament in Berlin yesterday on the Greek crisis "Europe is at a crossroads. This is about no more and no less than the future of Europe and about Germany's future in Europe."

"Europe is looking to Germany today," she declared. "Without us or against us, there will be no decision."

In the above context, this Morning BBC correspondent Jonny Dymond on Radio 4 suggested that Germany is starting to openly assert its Leadership of Europe.

Is this fair comment and if so does it bode well for Europes and the UKs Future ?

[Gromit]

Germany is the EUs biggest country and pays the most contributions. However, popular opinion in her own country is against bailing out Greece and the cost to German citizens. Merkel is a strong leader, and follows the maxim that if you are in the EU you are better off influencing its direction rather than sitting on the periphery and doing nothing as some in this country seem to be advocating.

The Greek Crisis is a stern test, but the EU will overcome it.

[jake-the-peg]

Germany and Britain are quite closely matched

Britain however has plainly shown its unwillingness to lead in Europe so Germany is filling the vacant chair

[jno]

Germany has provided most of Europe's money for years. They are getting tired of being ripped off by the likes of Greece. For all Merkel's strong words, she isn't actually sure what to do about it, and the Greek crisis has been left to worsen over the last month, which has started to drag countries like Portugal towards the edge of the whirlpool.

Britain, as usual, thinks Europe is nothing to do with it, so no leadership from this part of the world.