Budget surplus earns Greece debt relief from EU

European officials confirmed on the 23 April 2014 that Greece would obtain more debt relief from its international lenders after meeting fiscal targets and achieving a budget surplus.

The surplus of €1.5 billion in 2013 is the first since 2002 and came a year ahead of schedule, the European Commission and Greek government said on the fourth anniversary of Greece’s official bailout request.

Kathimerini reported that Greece made its first official request on the 24 April 2014 for further debt relief as the Euro Working Group (EWG) met in Brussels to rubber-stamp the 2013 primary surplus and approve the release of another €6.3bn in bailout funding.

• Primary Source

ESO: Background information: Greek return to financial markets attracts flock of investors http://www.europeansources.info/record/greek-return-to-financial-markets-attracts-flock-of-investors/

EUObserver, 23.04.14: Greek records first surplus as EU moves closer to balanced budgets http://euobserver.com/news/123913

Kathimerini, 23.04.14: EC confirms Greek primary surplus, paving way for debt talks http://www.ekathimerini.com/4dcgi/_w_articles_wsite1_1_23/04/2014_539172

Kathimerini, 24.04.14: Greece makes request for debt relief as loan tranche approved http://www.ekathimerini.com/4dcgi/_w_articles_wsite1_1_24/04/2014_539200

European Commission: DG Economic and Financial Affairs: EU Economic Situation: Economies of the Member States: Greece https://ec.europa.eu/info/business-economy-euro/economic-performance-and-forecasts/economic-performance-country/greece_en

European Commission: DG Economic and Financial Affairs: Financial assistance to EU Member States: Greece http://ec.europa.eu/economy_finance/assistance_eu_ms/greek_loan_facility/index_en.htm

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