German Chancellor Angela Merkel said in Paris she was not against “a budget of the Eurozone” in principle, while he said that the prospect of adopting a “European Finance Minister” could be explored. Responding to reporters’ questions regarding statements made by French President Emmanuel Macron the German politician said she was not opposed to a Eurozone budget during the joint press conference with Macron at the closing of the 19th Franco-German Cabinet in Champs-Elysees, before adding: “For the European Finance Minister, we can discuss it.”

Mrs. Merkel had unsuccessfully proposed the adoption of a “small budget” in the Eurozone in 2012. The German Chancellor, who is claiming a fourth term in office at the federal parliamentary elections to be held in September, noted that these issues could only be resolved after that results of the elections in Germany.