Greek PM Alexis Tsipras and EU Commissioner for Economic and Monetary Affairs Pierre Moscovici in their meeting yesterday in Athens, agreed that Greece and the institutions are very close to a new deal on the second program review, whilst noting that it was time to discuss the Greek debt.
Moscovici said talks on Greek debt must start noting that an important milestone will be the Eurogroup on December 5, which should open the road to a comprehensive solution, which would be good for both Greece and the Eurozone.
“We are very close to a deal,” said the Greek PM noting that the country faces additional challenges as a frontline EU country in southeast Europe coping with security issues and refugee flows.
“This is why I believe it is now more crucial than ever to take courageous decisions for all sides.
We have already shown our will and now we expect our partners to do the same.
“We are no longer discussing about a Grexit” but on the contrary “we want it to be a success story for Greece, the Eurozone and Europe as a whole.
“We have already achieved impressive results and now it is the right time to make the necessary efforts to ensure that Greece will recover rapidly,” said Tsipras.
“I think we are very close to an agreement. We had a very successful first program review and the second is underway,” he told the prime minister, adding that as long as Greece implements the reforms, the EU will also do the same.
The EU Commissioner said the Eurogroup on December 5 is crucial, but warned debt talks will not conclude in one meeting. Instead, they will open the way for a comprehensive solution in the interests of Greece and the Eurozone.
“Greece absolutely has the ability to recover and deserves our trust,” concluded Miscovici.
