Germany's export-oriented economy relies heavily on international competitiveness for its wealth and growth. This book explores how the European debt crisis impacted Germany's economic competitiveness, examining both the threats and potential advantages stemming from the crisis. It aims to provide policy recommendations from a German perspective, contributing to the debate on whether Germany's current policies are truly "without any alternative." To achieve this, the research combines a literature review with comprehensive data analysis. Initially, it offers an overview of the European debt crisis's development and causes, highlighting the financial and economic consequences through graphical representation. Next, it defines "economic competitiveness" through extensive literature, focusing on the "ability to sell" and country ranking measurement methods, while also addressing other relevant concepts. The analysis then delves into Germany's economic competitiveness using various publicly available data sources, tracking metrics over the centuries with particular attention to the European debt crisis period. Comparisons with other countries underscore Germany's unique characteristics. The findings culminate in a discussion evaluating Germany's current policy responses to the euro crisis.
