Commissioner Moscovici's remarks on Greece further to the Eurogroup Statement
The Eurogroup has published a statement on Greece which confirms that the Eurogroup would be favourably disposed to a request by Greece for a technical extension of 2 months of the current EFSF programme. During the Eurogroup Press Conference, Commissioner Moscovici reiterated the EC committment to supporting Greece in taking forward the reforms' process and explained the reasoning behind the programme's extension: "We have been engaged in intensive discussions in recent days with the Greek authorities and with the IMF and ECB. Our approach has been firm but constructive, open but determined. Our aim is to conclude the current review with a credible, balanced set of reforms and fiscal measures to help strengthen Greece's economic recovery. On the one hand, there has been clear progress in a number of areas. On the other hand, this progress has not been as rapid as could have been hoped – or as would have been necessary to allow for a conclusion of the review in the coming days. (…) That’s why it has been agreed in principle, pending formal confirmation by Member States, that there will be a technical extension of the EFSF programme for two months. I really welcome this decision which in my view seems to be the wisest that was possible to take." The statement of the Eurogroup on Greece is available here. Commissioner Moscovici’s remarks on Greece and on other issues discussed during the meeting are available here. (for more information: Annika Breidthardt – Tel.: +32 229 56153; Johannes Bahrke: Tel.: +32 229 58615)
