[pgeorgi]

Keeping Germany in check was the main reason for its predecessors (Montanunion, EWG). They called it "ensuring peace", but from a French POV that meant the same, and the Montanunion was proposed by them.

It was more successful in driving business than thought, so the scope was extended over time. No need to stick to a single goal only.

[planetguy]

If that were really true, why would the Germans have gone along with it? The Germans aren't idiots, and as the biggest player they wouldn't have joined the Euro unless they thought it was in their own interests.