Germany Puts Curbing Russia Ahead of Commerce

BERLIN — Over recent months, something significant has happened in Europe: In the crisis over Ukraine, Germany has assumed leadership not just in its familiar fashion of trying to coax Russia away from belligerence and bluster, but also in standing firm and imposing sanctions on Moscow even if they hurt German business.

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External Expansion, www.externalexpansion.net,

German economy shrinks in blow to European recovery hopes

Surprise contraction follows data showing Italy is sliding back into recession

The German national flag flies beside the River Alster in Hamburg. The German economy suffered a surprise contraction in the second quarter, its first in more than a year. Photo: Bloomberg.

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Germany's current-account surplus is partly to blame for eurozone stagnation

With Germany unwilling to spend, it is up to ECB president Mario Draghi to devalue the currency for a much-needed boost.

While the rest of the world recovers from the great recession of 2008-2009, Europe is stagnating. Eurozone growth is expected to be 1.7% next year. What can be done about it?...

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