The second requirement was to recognize that domestic violence was neither a private matter nor an excusable way of maintaining family discipline, but a threat to economic development and welfare.

If the request is submitted at a later date, the court may decide to examine the case if it deems it to be excusable that the time limit has been exceeded.

German leaders opposition to every proposal for institutional reform may be excusable now, in the run up to the general election in September. But once the new government takes office, Germany s continued refusal to adopt an active approach to solving Europe s problems would be entirely indefensible.