At the end of December 2021, Germany’s net external assets stood at €2,545 billion, thus amounting to around 71% of nominal gross domestic product (GDP). Both German claims and liabilities vis-à-vis non-residents continued to rise in 2021.

Against the backdrop of declining infection numbers and expiring legal requirements and measures, coronavirus-related protective measures, such as distance rules or general mask requirements, will end on 31 May 2022.

Speaking at the Bundesbank’s Payments Symposium, Bundesbank President Joachim Nagel and Bundesbank Executive Board member Burkhard Balz have made the case for the Eurosystem pushing forward with its investigations into central bank digital currency. Both used their speeches as an opportunity to emphasise the benefits that a digital euro could bring.