Hi Joschka,



Not every country can be Germany.



It's not the other countries that need to remember this, it's Germany that needs to remember it.



Not every EU nation can accomplish all that the Germans have accomplished, even in the past 10 years.



No matter how hard Germany tries, the other EU partners are never going to BE Germany.



So, some accommodation must be made.



For starters, trying to cap budget deficits at only 3% of GDP may be slam-dunk for Germany, but not for other EU member nation states.



Maybe one day that could be done. But for now, let's grant some room to those that can't make the cut (pun intended).



Henceforth, set the deficit-to-GDP at 4% for all EU nations until 2020 and move on.



That should take care of France's deficit problems for the foreseeable and assist the other high deficit nations.



Germany especially can influence the outcome of the Greek election, by speaking softly now, prior to the vote. By appearing willing to work around Greek economic problems through dialogue, instead of through confrontation, Gemany will again look like Greece's ever-patient mother giving the boy yet another gentle reminder.



Doing so now, before the election, will steal the thunder from the anti-austerity parties/voters.



To placate Italy, a generous share (but not more than half) of the Jean-Claude Juncker 15 billion euro investment seed money, should go to towns and cities in northern Italy, for the express purpose of job creation.



When jobs are created, especially when focused within a small region like northern Italy, the government collects more tax revenue, more outside investment filters in, and both micro and macro economies begin to improve.



If Italy then seems cooperative, then it would be appropriate to reward the mild response with additional economic assistance to spur the Italian economy or temporarily ease deficit and debt requirements.



By driving the solutions, instead of being driven to them, the EU will remain and with the noted temporary adjustments, eventually reach the laudable goals promoted by the ECB, the EU leadership, by banks and credit rating agencies.



As always, very best regards, JBS

http://johnbrianshannon.com



