Summary Explanations for the robust situation of the German labour market in the course of the global recession 2008/09 are the usage of short-time work schemes, the higher internal labour flexibility due to provisions of collective agreements and the reduction of positive balances on...

The euro area is experiencing a severe and highly complex crisis. It comprises three problem areas, the difficulties of some highly indebted European sovereigns to ascertain funding at palatable cost, the disconcerting fragility of the European banking system and disappointing growth prospects...