EUobserver: Merkel - No German hegemony in Europe

22 April 2013

Chancellor Angela Merkel has said there is no German hegemony in Europe, but insisted that euro countries cede more sovereignty to overcome the crisis.

Merkel admitted that Germany has "sometimes a complicated role" in the EU, and said that as a large, "but not the richest country", it seeks to involve other states - like Poland - in the decision-making process.

"Growth doesn't come only from cuts, I am certainly not all about cuts. Growth also comes from structural reforms", she said, adding that Germany emerged from its own economic crisis by reforming its labour market and pension systems. She also complained about governments being willing to reform only when they are "on the edge of the abyss", and said they have to be willing to cede more powers to Brussels.

Full article

© EUobserver.com