hurdles

After a hugely-turbulent 2011, the 17 countries that use the euro will be quickly confronted in the new year with major hurdles to solving their government debt crisis, just as the eurozone economy is expected to sink back into recession.

France and Germany are facing core disagreements over how to maximize the euro zone’s financial rescue fund heading into an important weekend summit in Brussels.

Finance ministers meeting in Paris face new hurdles after rating agencies issued warnings about European banks.

A number of Chinese businesses have gone public in the United States without some usual hurdles.

Beyond controversies and cost concerns, high-speed trains are reducing hurdles posed by China’s size, bringing benefits in tow and posing challenges for the country’s competitors.

Was the slowdown in economic growth in the first quarter a blip or a sign of a longer-lasting malaise? The U.S. economy is facing a slew of hurdles that could mean the latter.

Caught in a political crisis and facing refinancing hurdles, Portugal has come under intense pressure to join Greece and Ireland in seeking a bailout.

Though qualified, Mario Draghi of Italy makes France and Germany nervous as he campaigns to succeed Jean-Claude Trichet as president of the European Central Bank.

Public art remains a tough sell in towns where workers and services are being reduced — even when the art projects were paid for in better times.

Without two crucial government programs that reduce investor risk, solar power projects may begin to dry up.