German Economic Growth and European Discontent

Germany's robust 2010 export growth and overall projected economic growth are unmatched in the eurozone. When paired with the buoyant demand from the developing world (especially from China), Germany's economic success at a time of stagnation and German-supported austerity measures across the rest of Europe could create political fissures, not only between Berlin and the most troubled members of the eurozone but also between Germany and France. As coordination between Berlin and Paris was largely responsible for halting the Greek debt crisis in early 2010, a political dispute between the two countries could spark renewed doubt in Europe's ability to maintain the stability achieved in recent quarters.