The Euro Area Must Have a Permanent Safety Net
With two comprehensive stabilization programs, one for Greece and one for the whole eurozone, the EU has demonstrated its willingness and capability to defend European monetary union under extremently difficult conditions.
With major economic challenges persisting a wait-and-see approach for EMU would be a dangerous course. The threats to the stability of the eurozone remain high. Budget deficits exceed the 3% limit in most countries and debt is rising, which makes fiscal consolidation a priority.
Countries with high fiscal and current account deficit needs especially tough fiscal retrenchment. After years of accumulated losses of competitiveness, several countries require significant wage restraints and productivit increases.

