Originally Posted by bobd22

Yes there is that but surely main thing is they are all different countries with different industries etc and require different economic measures hence the problems they now have. Germany France big exporters with other southern countries mainly relying on tourism with obviously some industry how can they all have the same economic measures interest rates etc. Main problem seems to be that the euro runs on what's happening at t he heart i.e. Germany hence rate increases etc that hasn't come into the equation thus far but if they continue to put them up strengthening the euro can the PIGs cope

Originally Posted by Nigeljay

The US had a common language and a broadly common history and culture to help it along. The difference between the German's and say the Greeks or even the French may be getting less but is still substantial.( e.g. in culture, attitude etc.)