Championing the ‘German model’? Germany’s consistent preferences on the integration of fiscal constraints

This article traces whether and how Germany’s preferences on the integration of fiscal constraints have evolved since founding Economic Monetary Union (EMU). Focusing state elites mass publics as driving forces government preferences, also examines what has shaped German Treaty Maastricht. The finds that welcomed benefits a single currency but feared risks high inflation liability for other countries. Moreover, public scepticism about euro translated into ‘constraining dissensus’ regarding capacity-building in EMU. In line with these concerns, sought to integrate while leaving budgetary capacities at national level. Thus, Germany adopted an instrumental approach secure success ‘German model’. While remained largely same EMU, strategies realize them changed over years.