Debt Equity Swap

Each day seems to bring a new idea that proponents claim will get us out of the crisis. No matter which of these policy paths politicians eventually choose they are likely to find it blocked by neither Greece nor Ireland being able to repay all of their outstanding debts. The way out can only be cleared by a decisive restructuring of these debts – the sooner the better.

The EU is at a crossroads. One way is the high road towards a fiscal union and the low road takes us back to each state fending for itself, the paradigm that prevailed before Greece was ‘rescued’. Euro-federalists have suggested everything from minimalist E-bonds to a complete fiscal union. Sceptics have called for kicking troubled countries out of the Euro zone.

Political expediency and economic logic rules out such a break up and political stalemate and public opinion stand in the way of a fully fledged fiscal union. The only feasible option lies in the middle. Since the announcement of the Greek aid package, the EU seems to be moving along this mid-path towards a 'shadow fiscal union'.