The Fate of the Eurozone

Italy is forcing the European Union to take a hard line over its budget, but the shaky state of the country's banks might soon give Rome greater cause for concern.

Chancellor Angela Merkel, the one-time all-conquering politician, has proved incapable of preventing Germany's political fragmentation. And if polarization results in snap elections, the consequences will reverberate across the Continent.

Chancellor Angela Merkel, a steadying force in German politics for the past 13 years, is making her way toward a political exit in the near future. The shakeup will put Germany in a fragile position, which is worrisome for the European Union at large.

The European Commission has been insistent that Italy reduce its deficit, but the Italian government just announced it's going to do the opposite. As the two square off, financial markets will respond.

Italy, France and Spain are enjoying growth once more, but that doesn't mean they're out of the woods -- especially when each is considering controversial reforms.

After three bailout programs, Greece is on a challenging journey to financial and economic recovery that will take decades to accomplish. Now everyone from Greek citizens to EU representatives is asking, "what next?"

France and Italy have gone through a rough patch over recent months, but a recent meeting could presage reconciliation between the two Mediterranean countries.

There's something for everyone as France and Germany propose reforms for the European Union that strike a balance between the Continent's heavyweights.

Italy's new populist leaders will push for change on topics such as migration and trade in their dealings with the European Union -- but will avoid rocking the boat too much.