In November 1995, convinced that the introduction of the single currency must be accompanied by efforts in the area of budgetary discipline, Theo Waigel, German Finance Minister, proposes the adoption of a Stability Pact between the Member States of the European Union participating in Economic and Monetary Union (EMU).

On 13 December 1996, Theo Waigel, German Finance Minister, gives his immediate reaction to the outcome of the Dublin European Council, in particular concerning the establishment of a Stability and Growth Pact with a view to the transition to the third stage of Economic and Monetary Union (EMU).

Theodor Waigel, German Christian Democrat Finance Minister from 1989 to 1998 who, in autumn 1995, proposed the adoption of a Stability and Growth Pact for the future euro-zone countries.

On 13 and 14 December 1996, the Dublin European Council adopts the report of the Ecofin Council, drawn up in close cooperation with the European Commission and the European Monetary Institute (EMI), on the technical and legal preparations required for the transition to the third stage of Economic and Monetary Union (EMU) on 1 January 1999.

On 14 and 15 December 1996, the daily newspaper Luxemburger Wort leads on the role of mediator played by Jean-Claude Juncker, Luxembourg Prime Minister, with a view to finding a solution to the difficult negotiations conducted by the Fifteen on the Stability and Growth Pact at the Dublin European Council of 13 and 14 December.

On 14 December 1996, the French daily newspaper Le Figaro outlines the main provisions of the Stability and Growth Pact which were finalised with difficulty by the Fifteen at the Dublin European Council held on 13 and 14 December.

On 14 December 1996, the Madrid daily newspaper El País outlines the main provisions of the Stability and Growth Pact concluded, with difficulty, by the Fifteen at the Dublin European Council of 13 and 14 December.

On 15 December 1996, the French daily newspaper Le Monde outlines the outcome of the Dublin European Council held on 13 and 14 December, with particular regard to the establishment of a Stability and Growth Pact for the future countries of the euro zone.

On 16 December 1996, following the Dublin European Council of 13 and 14 December, the Austrian daily newspaper Die Presse analyses the scope of the agreement reached by the Fifteen on the Stability and Growth Pact.

On 17 December 1996, the Luxembourg daily newspaper Luxemburger Wort comments on the decisions taken at the Dublin European Council of 13 and 14 December, with particular regard to the Stability and Growth Pact for the future countries of the euro zone.