Geithner and Schäuble Meet in Germany

Jul 30, 2012

Two-euro coin Enlarge image The euro (© picture alliance / Daniel Karman) Timothy Geithner and Wolfgang Schäuble today met on the island of Sylt to use the informal atmosphere for an open exchange of views on global, US and European economies. They emphasized the need for ongoing international cooperation and coordination to achieve sustainable public finances, reduce global macroeconomic imbalances and restore growth.

Both expressed confidence in euro area member states’ efforts to reform and move towards greater integration. They welcomed the Irish example of placing successfully longer term bonds last week and Portugal's continued success in meeting program commitments. They discussed the considerable efforts undertaken by Spain and Italy, to pursue far-reaching fiscal and structural reforms. The US and Germany will continue to cooperate closely with their partners when advancing the policy agenda in autumn to further stabilize global and European economies.

While again stressing the need for policymakers to adopt and implement all reform steps required to deal with the financial crisis and crisis of confidence, Secretary Geithner and Minister Schäuble also took note of statements from European leaders last week to take whatever steps are necessary to safeguard financial stability in the Euro area. 

© Federal Ministry of Finance

Ongoing Reform Efforts

Germany Remains Stability Anchor

Stability anchor

The agency Moody's confirmed Germany's triple-A credit rating on Monday, and despite a downgrade to “negative” in its outlook, Germany's financial and economic soundness clearly reaffirm its role as the euro-zone anchor.