Most discussions of friction within the euro zone revolve around Germany. Either mighty Germany lends a hand to stragglers like Spain and Italy, the logic goes, or the euro disintegrates. Somewhat understandably, most Germans aren’t thrilled with this choice.

Palle-Jooseppi, a male brown bear at Ranua Zoo in Finland, is tired of bailing out Spain and Italy. (LEHTIKUVA / Reuters)

But it’s worth noting that Germany’s not the only wealthy country in Europe facing this trade-off.