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Why have some European countries been suffering from a sovereign debt crisis?

Author

Sophia Koch

Updated on December 27, 2025

European banks own a significant amount of sovereign debt, such that concerns regarding the solvency of banking systems or sovereigns are negatively reinforcing. The onset of crisis was in late 2009 when the Greek government disclosed that its budget deficits were far higher than previously thought.

What were the causes of the 2010 sovereign debt crisis in the EU?

The Causes The eurozone (debt) crisis was caused by (i) the lack of a(n) (effective) mechanisms / institutions to prevent the build-up of macro-economic and, in some countries, fiscal imbalances and (ii) the lack of common eurozone institutions to effectively absorb shocks (also see Rabobank, 2012; Rabobank, 2013).

What were the main causes of the LDC debt crisis of the 80s?

These crises were often caused by short-term commercial bank debt and/or securities market investment. Particularly in the case of the Asian crisis, the private sector (not the public sector) was the main culprit. Banks, nonbanks and corporations overborrowed, and foreign banks and private investors overlent.

Can the US have a sovereign debt crisis?

There are a lot of people who argue that because the dollar is the world’s reserve currency and we print our own money, a U.S. sovereign debt crisis is impossible.

What happens when a country has a sovereign debt crisis?

A sovereign debt crisis occurs when a country is unable to pay its bills. The first sign appears when the country finds it cannot get a low interest rate from lenders. Amid concerns the country will go into debt default, investors become concerned that the country cannot afford to pay the bonds.

Is sovereign debt a problem?

Example of Sovereign Debt At the opposite end is sovereign debt issued by countries with profligate spending and debt-to-GDP ratio. Greece’s debt crisis is an example of problems that can emerge in a nation’s economy, if it is unable to service payments related to its debt.

What are the main causes of the eurozone crisis?

The European sovereign debt crisis resulted from the structural problem of the eurozone and a combination of complex factors, including the globalisation of finance; easy credit conditions during the 2002–2008 period that encouraged high-risk lending and borrowing practices; the 2008 global financial crisis; …

How did the EU response to the 2008 economic crisis?

After the collapse of Lehman Brothers in September 2008, most European governments swiftly adopted measures to support the financial system in a coordinated action. These included increasing deposit insurance ceilings, guarantees for bank liabilities and bank recapitalisations.

What are the main reason of these debt crises?

Any sudden loss of income—or an increase in costs—can cause a household debt crisis. The biggest reason is medical expenses, which generate half of all bankruptcies in the United States. Other reasons include extended unemployment or uninsured losses.

Why is Third World debt a problem?

Debt has a significant effect on global poverty. For example, borrowed money accrues interest which adds to debt and can lead to less prosperous countries suffering because massive interest payments drain funds that are needed for things like infrastructure investment.

What are the causes of sovereign debt?

Sovereign debt crises are usually caused when countries rack up too much debt to pay for wars. When they print too much money to pay off the debt, they create an even worse problem of hyperinflation. A recession can also cause sovereign debt crises. The 2008 financial crisis was the primary reason for Spain’s crisis.

Who holds sovereign debt?

central government
Sovereign debt is debt issued by a central government, usually in the form of securities, to finance various development initiatives within a country. The most important risk in sovereign debt is the risk of default by the issuing country.

How did Europe respond to the economic crisis of the Great Depression?

The Great Depression severely affected Central Europe. By November 1949, every European country had increased tariffs or introduced import quotas. Under the Dawes Plan, the German economy boomed in the 1920s, paying reparations and increasing domestic production. By that time, Germany had repaid 1/8 of the reparations.

What caused the 2008 financial crisis in Europe?

The debt crisis began in 2008 with the collapse of Iceland’s banking system, then spread primarily to Portugal, Italy, Ireland, Greece, and Spain in 2009, leading to the popularization of an offensive moniker (PIIGS). Rating agencies downgraded several Eurozone countries’ debts.

How can we solve debt problems?

How to Solve Debt Problems

  1. Make All Your Minimum Payments.
  2. Stop Using Credit.
  3. Take Control of Your Spending.
  4. Pay As Much Money Towards Your Debt As You Can.
  5. Recognize There are Barriers to Paying Down Debt.
  6. Pay Off High Interest Debt First.
  7. Double Down on Your Payments.
  8. Put Any Extra Cash Towards Debt.

Can globalization help with the economy and get your country out of debt?

Social and political globalization has no effect on external debts. Impact of the control variables used in the analysis on external debts is significant and negative. From this, it can be said that general globalization and economic globalization have increased the external debt of the nations.