Thus regional and global standards do still serve as critical points of reference.

UNESCO: ����

We all have different frames of reference, and it becomes really critical: Is it big or is it small?

FORBES: Magazine Article

There is nothing more boring, even to budget wonks, but the reference point against which you measure tax changes is critical to how you see those proposals.

FORBES: Washington Plays The Baseline Game On Deficit Reduction

That persuaded French Prime Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault, in an apparent reference to Ms Merkel, to say that "the situation in Europe is sufficiently critical not to give in to simplistic talk".

BBC: Greece election: The European countdown