Technical teams scrutinizing Greek proposals, Juncker confident of deal
Discussions between representatives of the European Union, the European Central Bank, the International Monetary Fund and Greek officials continued on a technical level in Brussels on Tuesday.
A set of updated proposals submitted by the Greek government on Monday were undergoing assessment in view of a new Eurogroup meeting scheduled to take place on Wednesday, European Commission spokesperson Margaritis Schinas said on Tuesday, according to the Athens-Macedonian news agency.
On Tuesday, Schinas reiterated the Commission’s position that the Greek proposals were a step forward, forming a “good basis” for progress in view of the country striking a deal with its creditors before its bailout program ended on June 30. According to Schinas, Commissioner President Jean-Claude Juncker was confident a deal was possible until the end of the week. He added, however, that the institutions were awaiting more detailed information regarding these proposals.
Asked whether the Commission was examining the possibility of an extension of the country’s ongoing program, Schinas noted the Commission was basing its work on the deal approved by the Eurogroup on February 20, which called for a complete deal.
Meanwhile, on the subject of a 35-billion-euro growth package which the Commission announced could become available to Greece during the 2015-2020 period provided the country fulfilled the necessary requirements, including signing a deal, Commission spokeswoman Anika Brightheart noted that 20 billion euros could become available through structural funds and the remaining 15 billion euros through agricultural funds. The Commission was expected to release a detailed report on this in the coming days, Brightheart said.
