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On July 11, GMF hosted Reinhard Bütikofer, member of the European Parliament and vice-chair of the group of the Greens/ European Free Alliance for a breakfast discussion titled, Crisis in the Eurozone and Germany’s role: A view from a German in Brussels. The event was part of GMF's Strengthening the Transatlantic Economy event series.

Americans are looking at the European debt crisis, particularly the situation in Greece, with growing concern about potential spill-over effects on the American economy. As the biggest economy in Europe, Germany stands at the center of the debate on the future of the Eurozone. In particular, much of the focus has been on the debate in Germany about present and future bailouts. In his remarks, Mr. Bütikofer addressed questions regarding German public opinion and the country’s role in the current debate. He went on to discuss potential solutions going forward and the wider implications of the current crisis for the European project. The following debate with participants focused on implications of the crisis for further accessions to the monetary union, imbalances within the Eurozone and the role of both private banks and the European central bank.

To listen to an interview by GMF’s Senior Transatlantic Fellow for Economics, Bruce Stokes, with Mr. Bütikofer, please click here.