Defensive Germany calls for more EU backing

Features discuss the defensiveness of leaders in Germany against criticism that Germany was assuming economic and political hegemony in Europe, in particular in the context of the difficulties facing many other fellow eurozone countries. Some argued that Germany should be getting more support from the EU institutions against unfair criticism over its role in handling the eurozone crisis.

• Primary Source

ESO: Background information: No to EUsterity http://www.europeansources.info/record/charlemagne-no-to-eusterity/

Spiegel Online International, 26.03.13: World from Berlin: Cyprus Chaos 'Doesn't Inspire Hope for EU Future' http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/german-press-reaction-to-cyprus-bailout-a-891018.html

Deutsche Welle, 26.03.13: Berlin can't fix 'austerity dictator' image alone http://www.dw.de/berlin-cant-fix-austerity-dictator-image-alone/a-16698717

Deutsche Welle, 22.03.13: Germany painted as villain in euro crisis http://www.dw.de/germany-painted-as-villain-in-euro-crisis/a-16693226

Spiegel Online International, 27.03.13: What Cyprus Tells Us about Germany's Character http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/the-cyprus-bailout-reveals-german-fears-of-tax-havens-a-891063.html

ESO: Background information: 'Germany has created an accidental empire' http://www.europeansources.info/record/five-minutes-with-ulrich-beck-germany-has-created-an-accidental-empire/

Blog: The Guardian, 26.03.13: Comment is free: Germany and Europe: on top, but not in charge http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2013/mar/26/germany-and-europe-on-top-but-not-in-charge

Spiegel Online, 03.04.13: World from Berlin: 'Germany Isn't Living Up to EU Responsibility' http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/german-press-review-on-rise-in-european-unemployment-a-892305.html

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