This problem has been recognised at both the European and national levels, and several measures to inform the public have been initiated. The European Commission has assumed a pivotal role here.
In the period leading up to the crisis, the banks happily lent money to anyone. Perhaps also to people who were not planning to pay it back. As a result, the banks became so financially vulnerable that the only ones they would never have lent any money were probably themselves. House prices skyrocketed. The volume of lending soared.