France's borrowing costs are surging as investors around the world wake up to the risk of a full-blown public debt crisis in Europe's second-largest economy.[8106244] Stress in financial markets has now started to spread beyond its borders, raising fears that political dysfunction in France could cause a broader, regional problem.[8106244] The euro has fallen to a 17-month low against the dollar, making inflation worse in the EU, where political worries and concern over French debt are already troubling investors.[8012254][8028314][7990643] France hasn't run a balanced budget in more than 30 years.[8106244] Investor concerns about France's fiscal and political situation are already troubling investors.[8012254][8028314][7990643] The single currency has slumped by about 1.2% this month, accelerating a drop of about 8 cents against the greenback from a peak of $1.20 in January.[7990643]