The first section of this paper defines the terms "weak" and "strong" currency countries and analyzes the balance of payments positions of the EU member countries. It emphasizes Germany's role as the primary strong currency country in the EU and explains the broad coalition patterns that evolved...

The first section of this paper defines the terms "weak" and "strong" currency countries and analyzes the balance of payments positions of the EU member countries. It emphasizes Germany's role as the primary strong currency country in the EU and explains the broad coalition patterns that evolved...