The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 10-02-16

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From: The Hellenic Radio (ERA) <www.ert.gr/>

CONTENTS

[01] Crucial EcoFin Meeting

Today's meeting of the EU Finance Minister is rather crucial as it is expected to discuss, among other things, whether the 'euro group' would require Greece to make additional budget savings beyond those outlined in a recent report to the EU Commission. At the Eurogroup meeting held on Monday, its President Jean-Claude Juncker said that Greece agreed to take additional measures, if its stability plan fails to bring its deficit debt down by 4% by March.

Juncker Impressed by Greece's Reaction to the Crisis

However, Juncker said he was impressed by Greece's reaction to the crisis, warning markets that they are fooling themselves if they think that they can smash Greece.

Referring to measures to support the Greek economy, he claimed that it would not be wise to release them.

Athens is ready, if needed, to take additional measures, but only after the European Commission's assessment on 16 March, said Greek Finance Minister Giorgos Papakonstantinou. He then reiterated the government's determination to commit itself to its stability plan.

"The government is seeking to avoid taking additional measures, as it thinks that the plan's goals are achievable," said the Greek Finance Minister, dismissing scenarios predicting the collapse of the Greek economy as unconceivable.

Source: NET 105.8, ANA/MPA News item: 33322

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