1.   Germany is one of several aspiring currency union members experiencing difficulties meeting the budget deficit criterion stipulated in the Maastricht treaty.

2.   The Austrian government reduced its spending on public building projects for a second straight year this year to try to reach Maastricht budget deficit criteria.

3.   Both France and Germany could miss the budget deficit criterion.

4.   The budget measures are designed to keep Italy in line to meet the necessary budget criteria to join the single euro currency plans.

5.   The French and German governments have frequently stated that they expect to meet the budget deficit criterion next year.