Topic: Economic Integration

Greeks shrug off Europe's warnings that turmoil could get worse (+video)

Europe's dire warnings to Greece about the consequences of a potential default engender little fear among Greeks, who say the worst has already arrived.

EU calls for "banking union" to fight debt crisis

The European Commission proposed Wednesday that such a body should oversee banks directly, sidestepping national governments.

What would happen if Greece exited the eurozone?

Rumors are rife of a Greek exit from the eurozone. While no country has yet dropped the common currency, there are some indications of what will transpire if Greece does.

US Treasury bond yields hit record low as eurozone worries mount

A decline in global stock prices Wednesday shows that many investors are taking sanctuary in US Treasury bonds, anticipating major convulsions in the eurozone – and perhaps its breakup.  

Strengthen the euro and reform the European Commission

At a time of European debt crisis, when some see a common currency as a straightjacket, Europe must follow through and strengthen the euro. Europe must also move on political reform. One place to start: Elect the president of the European Commission, the EU's executive arm.

The case for a German value added tax

The continuing eurozone crisis has economists debating the case for a value added tax, or whether or not the German surplus be reduced without reducing (and preferably in fact increasing) German incomes.

EU still looking for way forward on Greece, growth, and euro zone

The latest summit in Brussels concluded with wide agreement that something needs to be done but with little consensus on what to do.

Where gas prices are highest

Gasoline is a very visible price, and closely watched by many drivers.  Petroleum prices impact many products, from food to industrial production.  While the cost of crude is the major factor in gasoline price volatility, some countries levy taxes on fossil fuels.   Here are ten countries where high gas prices are the norm, according to British insurance firm Staveley Head.

Amid eurozone turmoil, Germany borrows money for free

Germany sold $5.7 billion of debt today to yield 0 percent, a reflection of how much Europe's largest economy has diverged from its southern neighbors who are paying far more to borrow.

OECD concerned that eurozone crisis could threaten world recovery (+video)

The Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development said Tuesday the eurozone must get member nations with debt problems under control, so as to not pose problems for a less than robust world economic recovery.

France says 'oui' to euro bonds, but Germany says 'nein'

German finance official says Berlin continues to oppose euro bonds, which would create debt backed jointly by European Union nations. EU members meet Wednesday in Brussels to discuss euro bonds and other growth-enhancing policies.

Gold prices to climb if Greece gets fixed

Gold prices fall when dollar strengthens, as it has during latest Greek crisis. Gold prices will recover when Greece's path is clear, says a gold expert.

Obama, G-8: Recovery takes both growth and cutting

Confronting an economic crisis that threatens them all, President Obama and leaders of other world powers on Saturday declared that their governments must both spark growth and cut the debt that has crippled the European continent and put investors worldwide on edge.

G8 summit: Euro crisis and possible 'Grexit' overshadow agenda

The G8 leaders hosted by Obama at Camp David have several global issues on their minds: Syria, nuclear proliferation, famine. But the eurozone debt crisis is once again the dominant concern.

Obama to unveil plan for helping African farmers

Ahead of the G-8 summit, President Obama will unveil a new public-private partnership with DuPont, Monsanto, and Cargill, and almost 20 companies from Africa, to help farmers build local markets and fight hunger.

Hollande-Cameron don't agree on much – except need to save the eurozone

French President Hollande and UK Prime Minister Cameron meet in US today ahead of G8 summit. They are likely to find common ground on eurozone crisis despite differences over austerity.

Why China's economy may be heading for a hard landing

Business confidence has sunk for the third quarter in a row as a growing number of indicators suggest China's economy is slowing.

Caretaker government for Greece until June elections

Panagiotis Pikramenos, a senior judge, will lead an interim government of 16 until elections are held.

What would a Greek exit from the eurozone look like?

Rumors are rife of a Greek exit from the eurozone. While no country has yet dropped the common currency, there are some indications of what will transpire if Greece does.

Merkel, Hollande pledge to find common ground on European growth

French President François Hollande and German Chancellor Angela Merkel held the first of many meetings yesterday, discussing proposals for augmenting austerity with stimulus measures.

Greece has only one chance left to avoid another election

Socialist party leader Evangelos Venizelos today became the third politician this week to fail at forming a coalition government. If the president does too, Greece will head back to the polls. 

Euro debt crisis: Is Spain the new Greece?

Greek voters voice no regrets despite political chaos (+video)

Fed up with austerity, Greeks overwhelmingly voted against the mainstream parties that approved the bailout. They say they will do it again if another election has to be held.

Greek impasse deepens as talks fail

Three days after Sunday's election, parties failed again to form a coalition government.  A new election may be on the horizon if no majority can come together.

Greek political disarray, worries about Spain push euro to three-month low

Greece has still not formed a government, imperiling its bailout and increasing the chances of it being forced out of the eurozone.