While the Cypriot economy may be worth only 18 billion euros, making it the third smallest in the euro zone, the problems it poses are among the most complex Europe has faced, combining elements of Greece, Spain and Ireland.

The latest estimates from analysts are that the country needs 17.5 billion euros to get back on its feet, including 10 billion for its fractured banking sector and up to 7.5 billion for general government operations and debt servicing.

While small in nominal terms, that would amount to almost 100 percent of its gross domestic product, making it the biggest euro zone rescue after Greece and nearly three times the size of the package that was granted to Portugal in 2011.