Part 8/9:
Germany’s reunification in 1990 presented both opportunities and challenges. The integration of the East's economy into the wealthier West required substantial investment and restructuring, costing over $2 trillion. While this endeavor aimed to level living standards, it risked neglecting the needs of the West, leading to a stagnation of growth in some areas.
The Role of the European Union
As the modern EU formed, Germany’s influence grew as one of the largest economies, strategically lowering production costs and expanding trade to new Eastern European markets. This period saw Germany crafting policies that enabled more manageable borrowing terms across Europe, directly linking its economic stability to other nations, while positioning itself as a key player.