The European debt crisis: Is there an easy way out?
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The world capital markets responded positively over the past few days to the huge rescue plan tailored to help European countries out of the debt crisis and stabilize the euro zone, but analysts warn that such a plan may not prove to be a good enough cure.
![Greek protesters hold placards denouncing the EU-IMF supported austerity measures during a demonstration organized by labor unions in Athens, capital of Greece, May 12, 2010. The two umbrella labor unions of public and private sector employees ADEDY and GSEE called for a new general strike on May 20. [Phasma/Xinhua]](http://images.china.cn/attachement/jpg/site1007/20100514/000cf1bdd03f0d57052e32.jpg "Greek protesters hold placards denouncing the EU-IMF supported austerity measures during a demonstration organized by labor unions in Athens, capital of Greece, May 12, 2010. The two umbrella labor unions of public and private sector employees ADEDY and GSEE called for a new general strike on May 20. [Phasma/Xinhua]") |
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Greek protesters hold placards denouncing the EU-IMF supported austerity measures during a demonstration organized by labor unions in Athens, capital of Greece, May 12, 2010. The two umbrella labor unions of public and private sector employees ADEDY and GSEE called for a new general strike on May 20. [Phasma/Xinhua] |
While the political will shown by the EU leaders has eased the liquidity concerns on the market and put the tumbling confidence on hold, the debt sustainability in Europe and many other problems exposed in the crisis remain unaddressed. The rescue plan also has some worrisome implications, they say.
"Even though the deal led to a relief rally, it does not fundamentally change our view on the debt sustainability in Europe," said Nouriel Roubini, New York University professor who made his name giving warnings ahead of the sub-prime crisis that eventually led to the global financial crisis in 2008.
"The total financing needs for Portugal, Ireland and Spain until 2012 amount to 600 billion euros. Those for Greece amount to about 122 billion euros," he said.
In the deal unveiled early Monday, which political and economic leaders said would help "defend the euro," the European Union pledged an aid of 60 billion euros, and its member states will provide 440 billion euros in guarantees. The IMF, on a one for two basis, will contribute up to 250 billion euros.
The money will be available to debt-laden countries when they have difficulty borrowing from the markets, like Greece, Portugal and Spain.
The European Central Bank also decided to begin buying government bonds issued by euro zone members, a move dubbed as the "nuclear option."
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