home country analysis briefs germany brief pdf version pdb november 2004 background oil natural gas coal electricity environment profile links is one of the world s largest energy consumers because has limited indigenous resources except for imports most its information contained in this report best available as and subject to change general economies a founding member european union eu it joined common currency euro on january 1 1999 frankfurt seat central bank economy struggled over past few years with real gross domestic product gdp contracting 0 2003 marking first decline since 1993 during half growth picked up bolstered by increased exports mainstays nonetheless demand remained stagnant reportedly remain cautious despite tax cuts outlined government agenda 2020 plan much concern due struggling labor market unemployment reaching
