I don't disagree, but I will point out that the one thing which really hamstrings finance ministries throughout the community is the growth and stability pact, which everyone had to agree to in order to make the Germans (and their tightwad central bankers) happy.

The GSP is the legacy which ensures the Buba's poisoned gift keeps on giving, long after the Buba has (thankfully) gone away.

The Hun is always either at your throat or at your feet. Winston Churchill