Goethe, in technocrat’s clothing

What Germany’s leadership of the EU means isn’t very clear – least of all to the Germans themselves. A Spiegel columnist looks for the answer in two books, wandering between the lost soul and the genius of the country. The conclusion is that the present day Germans are 'the technocrats with Goethe tucked under our arms'.

• Primary Source

Der Spiegel, 2.12.11: Jürgen Habermas, the last European (via PressEurop) http://www.presseurop.eu/en/content/article/1242541-juergen-habermas-last-european

ESO: Background information: Commission proposes ‘eurobonds’ to calm markets http://www.europeansources.info/record/commission-proposes-eurobonds-to-calm-markets/

ESO: Background information: Merkel's party to back her on Europe policy / Merkel urges stronger union to back euro / Merkel delights her party but not London http://www.europeansources.info/record/merkels-party-to-back-her-on-europe-policy-merkel-urges-stronger-union-to-back-euro-merkel-delights-her-party-but-not-london/

The Guardian, 1.12.11: Give democracy a chance (via PressEurop) http://www.presseurop.eu/en/content/article/1237691-give-democracy-chance

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