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ILLUSTRATION - Funken einer Wunderkerze fliegen am Montag (08.08.2011) in Hannover über einer Euro-Münze. Neben den Kursrutschen auf den weltweiten Aktienmärkten sorgt die europäische Schuldenkrise derzeit für zusätzlichen Zündstoff. Nur drei Wochen nach dem jüngsten Euro-Krisengipfel wird schon wieder über die Bewältigung der Krise gestritten. Die Europäische Zentralbank signalisierte am Sonntagabend den Ankauf von spanischen und italienischen Staatsanleihen. Foto: Julian Stratenschulte dpa/lni

Eurozone crisis

Crisis in the eurozone

Many commentators have remarked that the ongoing crisis in the eurozone is the worst the continent has faced since World War II. Others have made comparisons to the global financial crisis of the 1930s.

DW examines the background and long-term consequences of the ongoing threat to the European single currency. Will it survive? What will happen to its member countries?

Cause for concern

EU puts off talk of Schäuble proposals

Just ahead of the next EU summit, Germany has proposed the idea of a super-commissioner who could take control in the eurozone. But it's not on the agenda, and will only come up for decision in December, at the earliest. (17.10.2012) 

In Berlin, Orban discusses Hungary's role in Europe

German Chancellor Merkel welcomed Hungarian Prime Minister Orban to Berlin. Talks between the leaders focused on the troubled eurozone - including Hungary's lack of interest in joining it. (11.10.2012) 

UK should 'make up its mind' on Europe

Over the past few days, the anti-European rhetoric coming from the British government has been increasing. But what effect does such talk have on Britain's standing in the EU? (10.10.2012) 

Encouragement but no commitment for Athens

Angela Merkel on Tuesday visited Athens in a visit hailed for its symbolic significance. Though the German chancellor expressed her support for Greece, she did not make the promises that some had hoped for. (10.10.2012) 

Opinion: More was not expected

Chancellor Angela Merkel's visit to Athens brought no tangible results. Despite this, the trip was still important and useful, says DW's Peter Stützle. (09.10.2012) 

Portuguese reject new austerity measures

Portugal has been one of the star pupils among the EU states stricken by debt. Its fiscal consolidation and stable political condition are causes for its success. But, now both are under threat. (10.10.2012) 

Spain suffers through stress test

A brutal autumn of cuts to social services awaits Spaniards as the government sticks to slashing the budget despite wide-spread protests. Spanish banks also announced how much they'll need to survive. (30.09.2012) 

Irish MP: 'The ESM is destroying the EU'

Ireland is taking its challenge of the European Stability Mechanism to the highest authority. Unlike previous challenges, this case will go before the European Court of Justice, with potential implications for the ESM. (26.09.2012) 

Anger at austerity in cash-strapped Spain

With protests planned all over the country this week, DW takes an in-depth look at the consequences of Spain's economic and social crisis. (14.09.2012) 

Getting by without the ESM

What might happen if Germany's Constitutional Court blocks the ESM, the planned permanent rescue fund for the eurozone? Is there a plan B? Ahead of the ruling expected Wednesday, speculation is growing. (11.09.2012) 

Experts unsure ECB bond buying secures euro

The European Central Bank has unveiled a new bond-buying program in yet another attempt to ease the eurozone's debt crisis. DW has spoken with several experts about the latest move's significance. (06.09.2012) 

ECB banking supervision remains controversial

The European Central Bank is in charge of the eurozone's financial policy. In future, the ECB is to also provide banking supervision. But is it necessary and realistic to supervise and regulate all of the EU's banks? (24.08.2012) 

North against South in Europe?

Europe's dividing lines in the debt crisis run between the rich North and less well-off South - at first glance, anyway. But closer examination suggests the truth is more complicated. (13.08.2012) 

Glimmers of Hope

Creation of EU banking union 'will take years'

EU leaders still have a number of thorny political and legal questions to answer before they can set up an effective banking union. Expect heated debates over regulatory issues and how to fund the body. (19.10.2012) 

Cameron: 'The plates of Europe are moving'

British Prime Minister David Cameron’s rhetoric at the EU summit differed from that of other leaders. He used the opportunity to reiterate that Britain wants to seek a "fresh settlement" with Europe. (19.10.2012) 

EU to decide on reforms in December

Despite a compromise by EU leaders on banking supervision, progress on further European integration remains slow. Major decisions will not be made until December - and the new supervisor won't begin work until late 2013. (19.10.2012) 

Lending institutions deemphasize euro in meeting

The euro appears to no longer be the global financial scapegoat, as the atmospere at the end of the annual meeting of the IMF and Worldbank indicated. Differing paths for stability and growth were emphasized instead. (13.10.2012) 

Germany sees progress in fight against debt crisis

Euro-bashing seems to be the order of the day at the annual meeting of the IMF and World Bank in Tokyo. Germany's Finance Minister Wolfgang Schäuble staunchly counters the trend. (12.10.2012) 

In lieu of money, jobless Spanish exchange time

Amid mass unemployment and insecurity over the euro, a parallel economy is evolving in Spain. It's based on time banks, where services are exchanged in a barter-style system. DW met with some of the people using them. (09.10.2012) 

ESM bailout fund kicks off in Luxembourg

Europe's firewall against the financial crisis is ready. The finance ministers of the 17 eurozone states have launched the European Stability Mechanism (ESM) in Luxembourg - but with little fanfare. (09.10.2012) 

Controversial plans to reform Europe's banks

A new EU report proposes ways to stop big banks from having to be rescued by taxpayers. It says they should be smaller and get rid of risky investment business - but that's not what banks want. (03.10.2012) 

The EU's banking union is still a long way away

While the EU agrees that it needs a banking union, sorting out the details is somewhat tricky. Despite slow progress at the Cyprus summit, a common banking supervisory by January 2013 seems increasingly unlikely. (15.09.2012) 

'No one wants to needlessly pour fuel on the fire'

While European leaders seem pleased with Athens' willingness to save, the decision over whether to release the next installment of aid could reignite debate, according to Europe expert Heinz-Jürgen Axt. (21.09.2012) 

European bonds "made for China?"

Europe hopes China can help overcome the euro crisis. Although China is keen to keep the euro afloat, they show little interest in buying more bonds. DW spoke with China expert Frank Sieren about another type of bond. (20.09.2012) 

Cautious optimism in the eurozone

After the critical summer months, things are starting to look up for the eurozone. How long the optimism will last, however, is unclear. The decision of how to handle Greece has been postponed. (15.09.2012) 

Possible 'Grexit' a calamity or coup for the eurozone?

At the next EU summit in October, politicians will face the possiblity of Greece exiting the eurozone. Grand ideas of European solidarity are less likely to be at issue than the question how smooth an exit could be. (25.08.2012) 

Businesses see eurozone economy improving

The latest global economy report from the German Chambers of Commerce has created some buzz for its somewhat surprising good news of a budding economic recovery. (16.08.2012) 

In the end, Europe matters

In an opinion piece for DW's Transatlantic Voices column, Joseph Quinlan warns that the eurozone crisis is increasingly spilling over onto the United States - with serious implications for the economy. (14.06.2012) 

Euro crisis glossary

Eurocrisis buzzwords made easy

As the euro crisis becomes more threatening, understanding the buzzwords is becoming more difficult. This guide explains some of the terms politicians and economists are using. (06.08.2012) 

Eurocrisis buzzwords - Part 2

As the euro crisis becomes more threatening, understanding the buzzwords is becoming more difficult. Part 2 of our guide explains some more of the terms politicians and economists are using. (04.08.2012) 

October summit

EU to decide on reforms in December

Despite a compromise by EU leaders on banking supervision, progress on further European integration remains slow. Major decisions will not be made until December - and the new supervisor won't begin work until late 2013. (19.10.2012) 

EU summit reaches banking compromise

At a summit of eurozone leaders, a compromise has been reached on the creation of the new post of banking supervisor. Germany and France began the day with completely different aims, and an agreement didn't seem likely. (18.10.2012) 

Audios and videos on the topic

Exclusive interview with Wolfgang Schäuble

The ESM is launched

Euro nightmare: crisis or catalyst?

European Central Bank to buy ailing countries' bonds

Most Germans see Greece on its way out

Italy looks for a way out of the crisis

Greek economic efforts ignored

Radio

Listen to this week's show 19.10.2012

Syrian Armenians seek refuge in their homeland

Despite peace prize, Norway says 'no' to the EU

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