EU leaders have given vague assurances they will support Greece in its struggle to stop a debt crisis but finance ministers said on Tuesday Greece might have to take further steps to control its budget problems.

Fears over Greek debt have dented the euro and lifted Greek bond yields and investors are looking closely at what EU states will do next.

Germany, Europe's biggest economy and traditionally a rock of stability in the euro zone, is a crucial player and so far Chancellor Angela Merkel has taken a cautious stance towards aid. Public opinion is firmly against a bailout. >>