Debt Crisis Spreads To Some European Economies

by Eric Westervelt, NPR

French President Nicolas Sarkozy and German Chancellor Angela Merkel held a phone conference from their vacation homes in Europe Friday, in an attempt to develop a coordinated response the growing European debt crisis. There was more pressure on Italy Friday, amid fears that the country is heading toward default on its national debt — despite repeated assurances from Italian leaders that the country will be able to pay its bills.

Broadcast Dates

• All Things Considered, August 5, 2011