Test for Europe

Greece has adopted austerity measures to reduce its 12.7 percent budget deficit. But it seeks help from Europe to reduce its high borrowing costs.

French President Nicolas Sarkozy has offered strong support for its European Union partner, Germany less so. Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou says the country has done its best to shrink its deficit and now needs concrete measures from Europe on its behalf.

Greece's borrowing costs are twice those of Germany's. Athens claims that speculators are taking advantage of the situation, raising prices at which the country can borrow. Mr. Sarkozy vowed to fight such speculation against the euro.

Meeting with the French leader Sunday, Mr. Papandreou explained that Greece "was not asking for money ... We asked to be able to borrow with similar, if not the same terms, as the other eurozone countries."

Mr. Sarkozy did not equivocate: "France is by the side of Greece in the most resolute fashion," he said at a joint news conference with Mr. Papandreou at the Elysee Palace. "The euro is our currency. It implies solidarity. There can be no doubt on the expression of this solidarity."

The Greek leader says he wants a European solution but that he will go to the International Monetary Fund if necessary. Mr. Sarkozy believes that Greece's partners in the euro should find a solution because that is what the 16-nation common currency initiative is all about.

German Chancellor Andrea Merkel praised recent Greek austerity measures and pledged Germany's support. The Athens government slashed civil servants' pay, froze pensions and raised taxes on a variety of items, sparking protests in Greece.

Greece is linked to the European Union, especially to its currency partners. How the other countries respond to this crisis will test the strength of their commitment to an ailing member.