Next aid for Greece ‘unlikely before September,’ says EU Commission
The next tranche of eurozone aid for Greece is unlikely to be paid before September, the European Commission said on Monday, noting international lenders had first to finish an assessment of Greek reforms that are far behind schedule.
“The decision on the next disbursement will only be taken once the ongoing review is completed,» a Commission spokesman told a regular news briefing.
“Over the last few months, significant delays in program implementation have occurred due to the double parliamentary elections in the spring,» the spokesman said.
“The Commission is confident that the decision on the next disbursement will be taken in the near future, although it is unlikely to happen before September,» he said.
The spokesman declined to comment on press reports that the International Monetary Fund might stop lending to Greece and reiterated that Greece should remain a member of the 17-member single currency bloc. [Reuters]
