The crisis facing Greece has struck fear into the heart of the European Union. This amid debate about the stability of the euro zone and the risk of a domino effect.

Athens has promised to get its deficit down to the level accepted in the European Union rulebook: no more than three percent of GDP.

But it is a classic case of the medicine being too bitter to swallow, and the Greek government is struggling to get the public behind its plan.

Experts are also warning that many Greeks are in desperate situations, and this is a country where social unrest and violence is not uncommon.

EU diplomats warn Athens that it must remain firm, as it will not get assistance without radical reform.

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