German Chancellor Angela Merkel said imbalances in foreign exchange markets should be monitored closely and will play a role during Germany's presidency of the Group of Eight leading nations next year.
Speaking at the foreign press club in Berlin, Merkel said "imbalances in the currency area will be an issue" during Germany's presidency, and will also be raised in talks between the group and China.
"Everyone knows that such imbalances exist, and that we have to monitor them carefully," Merkel said. What solutions may be found when finance ministers discuss the foreign exchange rate issue remain open for now, she said. One emphasis during Germany's G8 presidency will be to look more closely "at the actual situation among the leading industrial nations," than in the past, Merkel said.
Her comments came in response to a question about global imbalances and the role other currencies such as the dollar and China's yuan play in increasing such imbalances.
The dollar has fallen against many currencies in recent weeks, causing concern in some euro-zone countries that this may negatively affect exports.
Commenting on energy issues, Merkel said German utility E.ON AG's (EON) bid for Spain's Endesa SA (ELE) wasn't aimed at breaking up the company.
Endesa is the target of competing takeover bids from E.ON and Spanish gas supplier Gas Natural SDG SA (GAS.MC).
Spain's energy regulator earlier this year imposed 19 conditions on E.ON's takeover, a move the European Union Commission criticized. Spanish government, which favored a rival bid for Endesa from Barcelona-based Gas Natural.
"We as the German side aim for Europe to live an internal market in the energy sector," Merkel said, adding there's still a lack of competition and openness in the European energy sector.