France and Germany are determined to save the euro currency and will not allow it to be taken hostage by the markets, French government spokesman Francois Baroin said today.
Mr Baroin, who is also France's budget minister, said that an €85 billion bailout for Ireland agreed at the weekend would prove "sufficient and effective" in reassuring financial markets.
"This is a measure which is not simply a single shot taken in response to an important crisis, it forms part of the absolute determination of Europe - of France and Germany - to save the euro zone," he told Europe 1 radio.
"It is necessary for everyone, investors, to understand Europe's message: we will save the euro. It is an instrument which will not be taken hostage."
He added that the debt crisis in Europe presented "no risk, no menace" for France.
Reuters