The Record: Europe

8 June edition Alasdair Rendall Producer

A downgrade of banks in Germany; continuing woes in Spain, and now fears over Italy's banks as well - just another week in the eurozone.

But could this turn out to be the week where EU leaders were finally forced into action?

From the president of the European Central Bank, Mario Draghi, to the German Chancellor Angela Merkel, there is now growing acceptance by many of the need for greater fiscal and political union in the euro area.

To discuss whether this is now becoming an inevitable option, Shirin Wheeler was joined by three MEPs - Irish Independent Marian Harkin, German Christian Democrat Elmar Brok, and the UK Independence Party's Stuart Agnew.

The fight against crime

After years of campaigning by MEPs, a new European Parliament committee designed to tackle serious organised crime in the EU held its first evidence session this week.

It has been formed to investigate problems including money laundering, people trafficking and the mafia.

However, how can MEPs be sure it won't end up being a wish-list, without any real powers.

Shirin Wheeler spoke to two members of the new committee - British Conservative Timothy Kirkhope, and Portuguese Socialist Ana Gomes.

The Record: Europe examines the key moments in the political week in Brussels and Strasbourg and focuses on the work of the European Parliament and European Commission.

It is broadcast on BBC Parliament on Saturdays at 2300 GMT, on BBC World on Saturdays and Sundays at 0630 CET and on the BBC News channel on Sundays at 0530 GMT and Mondays at 0330 GMT.

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You can also watch full coverage of the plenary sessions of the European Parliament and selected committee hearings at BBC Democracy Live.