The silver lining in the economic gloom is the political effect it has had on the EU:

From the BBC:

"Mr Barroso said doubling the emergency funding ceiling to 50bn euros would be "a good signal that the EU is ready to show solidarity and support... to the countries that may need it.""

This blog and the Economist have both argued that this recession provides an opportunity for the EU to demonstrate its dedication to a workable transnational system. Europe ought to continue to support its member states; good job so far.