Germans split on euro, European unity

(CNN) — Almost half of German people believe that their country’s economy would be in a better position today if it hadn’t joined the euro, according to the findings of a survey commissioned by CNN.

About the same number of Germans is also opposed to a more tight-knit “United States of Europe,” along lines favored by their leader, Chancellor Angela Merkel. The concept enjoys stronger backing in poorer countries such as Spain and Greece, the study found.

The research conducted by ComRes and released on a day that saw European leaders agree to strengthen financial ties to ward off financial crisis, shows opinions broadly divided along lines of national wealth across the continent.