Nevertheless, by withholding its decision the Bundesverfassungsgericht is quietly holding Europe hostage. Although Merkel’s government has expressed its confidence that the Court will pronounce the ESM and fiscal compact constitutional, legal uncertainty can only hurt European leaders’ efforts to alleviate the continent’s monetary woes. While lovers of high court drama may still have their show, this time only those with a particular taste for schadenfreude can hope for a surprise decision.