While the German portfolio is middling, Berlin appears satisfied with the overall shape and thrust, with its heavy emphasis on economic expertise, geared to further austerity, fiscal rigour, and structural reforms of the European economy, and a focus on competitiveness.
But beneath them are a handful of giant conglomerates that are struggling towards profits, a tier of middling banks with overexposure to risky assets, and a vast base of small banks in deep, deep trouble.
Most are for "petty" patents: middling technology that undergoes minimal review and receives only a 10-year term.
Few believe the future lies in premium-ish products and middling scale.The two camps are likely to grow further apart.
That's true in foreign policy".A middling Old World power, how is France to do this?
Mr Sarkozy ought to set these firms free to make their own decisions.As for foreign policy, it is hard for middling powers to make a splash in the world.
But whereas most other European countries have since moved on to more inclusive systems, Germany has essentially stuck to a three-tier structure: the Hauptschule (for students who hope to go on to an apprenticeship), the Realschule (whose graduates typically take middling white-collar jobs) and the Gymnasium (awarding the Abitur that admits the holder to university).
With middling market shares in many countries, Zain may never have top-notch margins.
But if McKinsey is correct, its middle way has produced only middling economic results.
But one new brand, Thinx, would like to think it has found the solution in the form of three different types of knicker – a thong for light days, a brief for middling days and shorts for heavy days – designed to be worn instead of tampons, towels or Mooncups.
