Berlin Lays Groundwork for a Two-Speed Europe

Chancellor Angela Merkel has always rejected a two-track Europe. But with the euro crisis persisting, article reports that Germany was considering in September 2011 far-reaching new powers for the Euro Group - to the detriment of the European Commission. Could it work? Article suggested that the German Chancellor envisioned a tight alliance of the 17 eurozone members - one which would unify their fiscal, budgetary and social policies.

• Primary Source

EurActiv, 2.9.11: Germany's Schäuble calls for new EU treaty http://www.euractiv.com/euro-finance/germany-sch-uble-calls-new-eu-treaty-news-507256

EurActiv, 5.9.11: Van Rompuy takes lead in eurozone crisis stunt http://www.euractiv.com/euro-finance/van-rompuy-takes-lead-euro-zone-crisis-stunt-news-507262

EUObserver, 7.9.11: Merkel outlines steps to 'stability union' http://euobserver.com/843/113550

Spiegel Online International, 7.9.11: Merkel Says EU Must Be Bound Closer Together http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/0,1518,784953,00.html

ESO: Background information: Federal Union Now http://www.europeansources.info/record/federal-union-now/

ESO: Background information: France wants Van Rompuy to lead the euro zone http://www.europeansources.info/record/france-wants-van-rompuy-to-lead-the-euro-zone/

ESO: Background information: Chancellor Merkel's Dangerous Lack of Passion For Europe http://www.europeansources.info/record/chancellor-merkels-dangerous-lack-of-passion-for-europe/

EUObserver, 6.9.11: Spectre of fresh EU treaty returns to haunt ‘incomplete’ Europe http://euobserver.com/18/113537

EUObserver, 7.9.11: Markets will drive a two-speed Europe, says Barroso http://euobserver.com/9/113538

EurActiv, 8.9.11: Cameron seizes euro crisis to 'defend British national interest' http://www.euractiv.com/future-eu/uk-price-treaty-change-financial-services-labour-opt-outs-news-507363

EUObserver, 12.9.11: Non-euro countries fight for a place at the decision-making table http://euobserver.com/19/113585

Libération, 27.10.11: Birth of a United States of Europe (via PressEurop) http://www.presseurop.eu/en/content/news-brief-cover/1106731-birth-united-states-europe

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