VOA标准英语2010年-EU Finance Ministers Meet to Discuss I

Finance ministers from the 16-member zone that shares the euro currency are meeting Tuesday in Brussels to figure out how to help debt-strapped Ireland, and avoid chances Dublin's fiscal¹ problems will spread elsewhere.
Earlier this year, the Europe Union's financial worries were centered on Greece and fears that its debt and deficit² problems could infect other financially vulnerable members. Today, Ireland is in the spotlight³ during a two-day meeting of EU finance ministers in Brussels. Dublin is struggling with a public deficit expected to be more than 30 percent higher than its gross domestic product this year. That is roughly 10 times more than the cap set for the 16 members of the eurozone, and three times more than Greece's deficit. While Athens received a $150-billion rescue package, though, the Irish government has not sought a state bailout, although it has suggested it may ask for help for Irish banks. Meanwhile, yields or interest rates for Ireland's bonds have soared during the past week, driving down the value of the bonds. Analysts⁴ say other financially struggling EU members - like Portugal and Spain - also will find it harder and more expensive to borrow to finance their debts. That is why some analysts fear that, without help, Ireland's fiscal problems could spread.
In remarks to reporters last week, European Commission chief Jose Manuel Barroso sought to calm the concerns. "What is important to know is that we have all the necessary instruments in place now in the European Union and the Eurozone to act, if necessary," said Barroso. "But I am not going to make any kind of speculation⁵. What is important is, of course, to support the very important efforts the Irish authorities are implementing⁶. At the same time, we can reiterate⁷ that the European Union is ready to support Ireland."On Monday, Portugal's finance minister warned that the Irish situation was a danger for other Eurozone members. Like Ireland, Portugal's bond yields also have risen sharply recently. Portugal's budget deficit is nine percent of its GDP, three times the Eurozone limit.

1 fiscal   

adj.财政的，会计的，国库的，国库岁入的

参考例句：

• The increase of taxation is an important fiscal policy.增税是一项重要的财政政策。
• The government has two basic strategies of fiscal policy available.政府有两个可行的财政政策基本战略。

2 deficit   

n.亏空，亏损；赤字，逆差

参考例句：

• The directors have reported a deficit of 2.5 million dollars.董事们报告赤字为250万美元。
• We have a great deficit this year.我们今年有很大亏损。

3 spotlight   

n.公众注意的中心，聚光灯，探照灯，视听，注意，醒目

参考例句：

• This week the spotlight is on the world of fashion.本周引人瞩目的是时装界。
• The spotlight followed her round the stage.聚光灯的光圈随着她在舞台上转。

4 analysts   

分析家，化验员( analyst的名词复数 )

参考例句：

• City analysts forecast huge profits this year. 伦敦金融分析家预测今年的利润非常丰厚。
• I was impressed by the high calibre of the researchers and analysts. 研究人员和分析人员的高素质给我留下了深刻印象。

5 speculation   

n.思索，沉思；猜测；投机

参考例句：

• Her mind is occupied with speculation.她的头脑忙于思考。
• There is widespread speculation that he is going to resign.人们普遍推测他要辞职。

6 implementing   

v.实现( implement的现在分词 )；执行；贯彻；使生效

参考例句：

• -- Implementing a comprehensive drug control strategy. ――实行综合治理的禁毒战略。 来自汉英非文学 - 白皮书
• He was in no hurry about implementing his unshakable principle. 他并不急于实行他那不可动摇的原则。 来自辞典例句

7 reiterate   

v.重申，反复地说

参考例句：

• Let me reiterate that we have absolutely no plans to increase taxation.让我再一次重申我们绝对没有增税的计划。
• I must reiterate that our position on this issue is very clear.我必须重申我们对这一项议题的立场很清楚。