Eurozone Ministers Meet Amid Deepening Concerns

Up in the air?

Finance ministers from the 17 countries that use the euro are gathering amid deepening concerns about the future of the currency.

The ministers, meeting in Brussels, are expected to discuss strengthening the bailout fund for debt-hit countries that may require aid to avoid bankruptcy.

Ahead of the meeting, European Union officials on November 28 came under fresh pressure over the debt crisis from U.S. President Barack Obama. The White House said Obama, who met with EU leaders in Washington, urged quick and decisive action to save the euro and prevent potential financial chaos in the United States and elsewhere around the world.

Concerns about the viability of the euro have sharpened recently amid debt woes in Greece and Ireland -- which have required emergency aid from the EU and International Monetary Fund (IMF) -- and worries about financial problems in Italy and Spain.

compiled from agency reports