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Unified Economic and Currency System

Foreign Affairs Ministry's Official Webpage

Financial and currency alignment
Financial and currency alignment

Unified Economic and Currency System

The current German government, led by Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) and Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil (SPD), has committed to strengthening the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU) and further developing the Stability and Growth Pact (SGP) as part of their economic agenda for 2025. This move aims to promote growth and stability within the Eurozone, which faces challenges due to the contrast between a unified monetary policy and fiscal and economic policies that remain the responsibility of member states.

The EMU, established in 1999, coordinates economic policy between member states and uses a common currency. It enforces uniform rules and supervision of financial institutions in the Eurozone. Currently, 20 out of 27 member states have adopted the Euro. Denmark, however, has an 'opt-out clause' and can decide for itself whether to join the EMU.

The EMU's cornerstone is the SGP, a set of common budget rules agreed upon by member states. The SGP focuses on limiting state debt and budget deficits, ensuring growth, maintaining debt sustainability, and promoting sustainable and climate-friendly investments. The German government's objectives for the SGP reform include upholding these principles while making the SGP simpler and more transparent to strengthen its enforcement.

The German government's approach to SGP reform is guided by principles of growth, debt sustainability, climate-friendliness, simplicity, and transparency. This approach is reflected in the government's commitment to strengthening the Economic and Monetary Union. The remaining countries have committed to join the EMU once they meet the necessary criteria.

The Commission is currently working on reforming the SGP to make it future-proof. These reform efforts in Brussels are influenced by the principles and objectives set forth by the current German government. The German government's active contribution to these reforms is a testament to its focus on ensuring sustainable and coordinated fiscal and economic policies in the Eurozone.

The German government's efforts are not limited to the SGP. They also involve the European Central Bank (ECB), which has an independent monetary policy within the EMU. A deeper coordination of fiscal and economic policies among member states is necessary to address the challenges faced by the Eurozone. The German government is actively working towards this goal.

In conclusion, the German government, under the leadership of Chancellor Scholz and Finance Minister Klingbeil, is taking a proactive stance in strengthening the Economic and Monetary Union and the Stability and Growth Pact. Their commitment to these initiatives reflects a focus on ensuring sustainable and coordinated fiscal and economic policies in the Eurozone, paving the way for growth and stability in the years to come.

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