Greece debt level spikes, but Italy's dips

Tools

by Laura Matovina

BRUSSELS (AP) -- The EU's statistics office says Greece's debt as spiked to 159.1 percent of gross domestic product in the third quarter of 2011.

That's up from 138.8 percent a year earlier, 154.7 percent in the second quarter and by far the highest level in the eurozone.

Monday's figures underline how Greece's debt continues to spiral up despite massive spending cuts.

Eurostat says Italy, which has the second highest debt, managed to bring its borrowings down to 119.6 percent of GDP from 121.2 percent in the second quarter. That is up only marginally from 119.1 percent a year earlier.

Overall debt in the 17-country eurozone also dipped, to 87.4 percent of GDP from 87.7 percent the previous quarter.

Eurostat released quarterly figures for the first time amid growing concern about the economy.
This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled. Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.

Poll

Do you think the job outlook in the state is improving?

  • Yes
  • No