Germany has been at the very centre of the European Union since it emerged 60 years ago . As region 's strongest economy , it has borne the burden of the impact of recent rescue efforts . Chancellor Angela Merkel has insisted even those outside the eurozone must do their bit to resolve the crisis . Deutschmark was seen as symbol of Germany 's post - WWII recovery , move to euro a major sacrifice . Germany wants to protect euro , but ` ` no - one wants to pour water into a leaking euro forever ''
Germany has been at the very centre of the European Union since it emerged 60 years ago . As region 's strongest economy , it has borne the burden of the impact of recent rescue efforts . Deutschmark was seen as symbol of Germany 's post - WWII recovery , move to euro a major sacrifice . Germany wants to protect euro , but ` ` no - one wants to pour water into a leaking euro forever ''