Journal # Osten: Currencies in the EU's eastern states have weakened over the past week amid political tensions and continuing economic woes. # 26.03.2009 19

Currencies in the EU's eastern states have weakened over the past week amid political tensions and continuing economic woes. The collapses of the Czech and Hungarian governments follow months of capital outflows, and a growing credit crisis. Romania, meanwhile, is asking the International Monetary Fund for 20-Billion Euros in aid. There are growing fears that the deepening financial crises could trigger populism and hurt economic reforms in the region.