Heterogeneity is a fact of life in the euro area. But homogeneity far outweighs heterogeneity in one crucial respect: we are united by our intention to form an integrated Europe with a common market as a strong and reliable partner for the world economy. Germany has 82 million inhabitants or about 28 per cent of the euro area’s combined population.
Germany’s share in domestic product is about a third of the euro area. In terms of foreign direct investment and trade, the German economy is even more intertwined with the world economy than the euro area. About a third of our national income is generated by exports. This share may even rise after the integration of the central and eastern European states.