The Deal Avoided a Deeper Fracture to Europe

The prospect of a country leaving the common currency was once unthinkable – it was the driving force behind Europe’s goal to form an “ever closer union.” The deal keeps the eurozone intact, at least for now.

The crisis also opened a divide between eurozone countries, including Germany, that opposed further aid to Greece and those, including France and Italy, that said Athens still deserves a helping hand. On Monday, the end of five months of bitter negotiations brought a more optimistic tone. “A deal has been reached,” President François Hollande of France posted on Twitter. “France was looking for one, wanted one. Greece will stay in the eurozone. Europe has won.” But the deal does not stop larger forces challenging the solidarity of Europe.