IMF fears repercussions of Greek, Portuguese and Irish crises. Last week, the IMF improved its economic forecasts for Germany and France and underlined an overall improvement in the economic situation in Europe. For the eurozone as a whole, the IMF revised its forecast of 1.6% made last April to 2% for 2011. The forecast for Germany was revised upwards by 0.7% to 3.2%. Growth in Germany is the highest among G-7 member states. French economic growth is forecast to be 2.1%, compared to 2% announced two days previously in the preliminary conclusions of the French annual report on the economy. Nonetheless, the Greek, Portuguese and Irish crises are threatening economic balance in Europe and even internationally. The IMF points out that exposure to their public debt is threatening stability in the banking sector across Europe and beyond. All of this is taking place against a background of US growth, which is expected to be lower than first expected, the IMF having reduced its forecast for this current year from 2.8% to 2.5% and from 2.9% to 2.7% next year. This is due to temporary factors, including rising prices of raw materials, bad weather and disturbances suffered by the production chain in US industry, caused by the earthquake in Japan. Finally, the IMF notes that several emerging countries in Latin America are close to overheating, with inflation rates that are increasing the price of raw materials and food. This is particularly the case in Brazil and China. (I.L./transl.fl)