"The language is clear, the style engaging, the rhythm sustained, the narration enlightening, the analysis cogent." --Andrea Capussela, London School of Economics, UK "This book is essential reading for anyone interested in crisis policymaking or the future of European integration." --Erik Jones, European University Institute, Italy "Offering behind-the-scenes domestic political debates taking place with far-reaching consequences for European integration, Heipertz contributes to our knowledge of the euro crisis and sheds new light on how the euro was saved, but in a way that sowed the roots for later instability. A timely must-read book for understanding the euro crisis and its legacy." --Michele Chang, College of Europe, Belgium "A major contribution to the state of comparative political economy." --Fritz W. Scharpf, Max Planck Institute for the Study of Societies, Germany "A fascinating analysis of one of the most important moments in recent European integration - a must read for anyone with an interest in the past, present and future of European integration." --Amy Verdun, University of Victoria BC, Canada, and Leiden University, The Netherlands This book uses the early stage of the euro crisis as a case study, dissecting Angela Merkel's incremental crisis-management, her tactical strengths, and her reliance on media-driven decision-making. It sheds light on how Maastricht Treaty principles were overridden by bailouts and ECB interventions. Drawing from a decade of firsthand experience, the narrative blends scholarly insights into leadership and incrementalism with a vivid insider's perspective, offering a unique window into this pivotal moment in European integration. Martin Heipertz is a political economist trained in Oxford, Bruges, Paris and Cologne. He published and worked extensively on European monetary and fiscal policy as well as foreign and security affairs.