[profjulie]

I agree with your conclusion that "trigger" as a verb does not imply that the only reason for the recession was the collapse of the Soviet Union

I disagree with your conclusion that "it imlies, to me, that it worsened an already bad situation." Trigger, as used in this writing, means it was the impetus or stimulant for the event.

I disagree with your statement, "However, "cause" shows a direct relation, that is, the collapse of the Soviet Union was the only reason for the recession." The collapse was the trigger, impetus, stimulant for the recession, but nothing indicates it was the ONLY reason for the recession.

And, I disagree with the statement, "To me, it also indicates that before the collapse of the Soviet Union, the economic situation in Europe was just fine." There is nothing in this writing that indicates that. You are drawing conclusions without facts to support them.