Chinese investments in Europe have reached dizzying heights in the last two decades but, while they pose an appealing opportunity for economic growth to some countries, they are seen as a direct threat by some of the continent’s wealthier states.

Among the European countries with the largest banks are the United Kingdom, France and Germany.

In March 2000, at a summit meeting in Lisbon, European Union countries agreed on an ambitious objective: to make the EU, by 2010, “the most competitive and dynamic knowledge-based economy in the world capable of sustainable economic growth with more and better jobs and greater social cohesion”.

Unsustainable debt is a problem. A debtor who is in too deep debt risks not being able to repay creditors. So where are the risks to be found in Europe?

On May 26 Romania, alongside the majority of EU countries, will vote for the European elections. Here's a few data outlining the political and economic context in which the vote in Romania takes place.

On May 26 Bulgaria, alongside the majority of EU countries, will vote for the European elections. Here's a few data outlining the political and economic context in which the vote in Bulgaria takes place.

On May 26 Greece, alongside the majority of EU countries, will vote for the European elections. Here's a few data outlining the political and economic context in which the vote in Greece takes place.

On May 26 Slovenia, alongside the majority of EU countries, will vote for the European elections. Here's a few data outlining the political and economic context in which the vote in Slovenia takes place.

On May 26 Croatia, alongside the majority of EU countries, will vote for the European elections. Here's a few data outlining the political and economic context in which the vote in Croatia takes place.