two different takes...

While the U.S. is struggling and debating if the country is in a recession [it depends on which politician you listen to] Europe is feeling a different economic problem and I would bet it's all tied to the U.S. economy.

The banner headline in Le Monde today -

L'inflation s'installe en Europe

trans: "Inflation takes hold in Europe"

It reached 3.4% in March, the highest rate since the introduction of the Euro. The European Union declared that it is directly related to the price of fuel.

let's see... oil is around $110 a barrel right now. hmmmm? Tsar George and Rasputin Cheney both were involved with the oil industries and, i assume, the blind trusts that they had to establish when elected are probably ripe with oil stocks, options, etc.

do you think there may be some sort of connection?

just asking...