For starters, I still rememember that more than a couple of months ago I said that Germany was behaving like a bully in Europe. Some Germans were a bit offended (OK, there was only one, namely Volker ). However, the last weeks numerous articles appeared in Der Spiegel about the issue. 'Are You Still Loyal to Europe?': Euro Crisis Damages Germany's Reputation
Germany "pays in" more into the Euro economy than its neighbors. It would be logical therefore if Germany had more decisive weight than those neighbors. Will this create friction? Yes, but sometimes your money should talk too, not only your connections. (In my humble oppinion.)
I'm not really sure what you're trying to say? Germany "pays in" into the European Central Bank ECB (the amount of reserves, Euros, it holds) for, I think, about 17%. Whilst e.g. France or Italy contribute, I think, respectively, about 14% and 13% -- Spain for about 8%. However, "high trees catch a lot of wind" -- Germany is by far the biggest memberstate as well as in the number of inhabitants as in the size of it's economy. Isn't it normal that a bigger country carries more of the burden? This doesn't mean that Germany has the right to impose her will, and all of a sudden tries to bully everyone around in the room.
Note to all: I wonder if that I make such horrible treads? Since almost not a single soul responds on them. I tought that when I moved them into the "Western Europe" section I would get more responses since a lot of the threads I make are about "Europe". In the past I posted them in the "Political Opinions and Believes" subsection -- that is (was?) "my" (favourite) subsection on the forum here. However, the amount of American weirdos overthere is staggering -- in essence those types don't come in the, what they call, "Y'rop" subforum.
Okay, maybe I am misunderstanding your word "bully". How does Germany "bully" its neighbors? And Germany is not the biggest EU member, quite a few are bigger than Germany, see France for example. Germany only has the most people and the strongest economy. (I understand many people disagree now, but still, Germany is THE legitimate state east of the Rhein, all other "countries" there are only monopoly games, designed to be little dogs just to bite up your feet.) Why should a member state such as Germany carry more burden just because it is bigger in SOME aspect? And if it does, then why shouldn't it get the extra privileges with the extra responsibilities? What do you mean by "bullying"?
The Hun did through economics what he couldn't do twice through wars of conquest. Conquered Europe. Now they are flexing those economic muscles and let me guess.. Little Belgium is feeling the squeeze? I can understand your pain, and relish in it.
Only on PF can a user be reprimanded for calling out, justly, "right-wing bigotry," while the very ethnic slur he was referencing remains unaltered... Keep it up, Makedde -- you're a true gem if I've ever laid eyes upon one.
Unfortunately, there are still some misunderstandings in some EU countries about the European unification process. That's why I propose the following 3-steps plan. 1) Berlin becomes the new European capital. 2) German becomes the only official language in all EU countries. 3) People, who call Germany a bully, get sent on a 5 year educational travel at environmentally friendly galleys.
You guys have chilly winters. I don't think the Italians, Greeks, or Spaniards would be able to handle that.
LMAO! Berlin, Bonn or Bremen as der Hauptstadt (the capital) isn't a bad idea. Germany is the financial capitol of Europe until the UK joins.
Vienna was the first choice, but after hearing "non", "no", "niente", "nej" for centuries, it will be Berlin.
Financial doesn't mean GDP. It means where capital flows in and out of on a daily basis. Germany is the no. 1 country in the EU. Frankfurt is the central point of this capital flow. The FSE (DAX and Xetra) market capitalization is $1.4 trillion dollars. The Euronext encompasses 5 nations with $2.41 trillion market capitalization. For each country that's less then $500 million in market capitalization. If the UK formally joins the EU, then London would be the financial center of the EU.
Yes, that is what you yankees are hoping for isn't it. Fraida Europeean expansion. Germany is not a bully, it is the brains of the outfit. If EU survives this crisis, German empire building is in a very good place.
To understand Europe, you have to be a genius - or French. ~ Madeleine Albright. Americans know next to nothing about the European Union... The EU has been in crisis since 1957. To translate this to an American perspective, this would be the year 1829.
As an American, I sooo agree with this. As a side note, I would like to mention that all countries east and south of Germany would do well to blend in under German state administration (and language, the creation of those eastern countries was dubious to begin with). If they don't like it, I would like to cheer them up with the fact that Bavarian beer is still the best in the world AND there is nothing healthier than Sauer Kraut.
In my opinion, Bavarian beer is excellent, but only if they brew it the Czech way. This is what they do in Northern Bavaria. If they do it the Southern Bavarian way with their wheat beer, this is not so good.
Hmmm. Very interesting ... I think I will route myself to Regensburg or Nurnberg then instead of Munchen. Although, come to think of it, I think I would like to check the difference, so Munchen is still on my map. But then, from your comment: maybe I should visit other German cities too, such as Pilsen and Karlsbad. (Shall be VERY interesting!!!)
Hmm bummer, I missed this little juicy nationalistic flame baiting ... . Moderators, can you delete them a lot slower please?