| Author (Person) | Maurice, Eric |
|---|---|
| Series Title | EUObserver |
| Series Details | 11.05.15 |
| Publication Date | 11/05/2015 |
| Content Type | News |
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News media sources reported that, as expected, the Eurogroup meeting of the 11 May 2015 produced no agreement to unblock the last tranche of Greece’s bailout. However, there was cautious optimism that a deal could be in reach. In their final statement, the Eurozone finance ministers 'welcomed the progress that has been achieved so far'. But they added 'that more time and effort are needed to bridge the gaps on the remaining open issues' and expressed hope that an agreement could be reached 'in a timely fashion'. Greece was only one item on the meeting’s agenda and discussions proved less contentious than the previous Eurogroup meeting on 24 April. On 15 May 2015, media reported that following negotiations with its creditors, the Greek government was set to unlock the privatisation of the Piraeus port in Athens, against its initial intention [as you can check by clicking here]. Kathimerini reported on the 17 May 2015 that the Greek coalition governmet was facing difficulties in servicing its debt to international creditors and paying pensions and salaries. Deutsche Welle reported on the 17 May 2015 that German leaders were putting pressure on the Greek government to put reforms in place before discussing a third aid package. Talks with the Troika were deadlocked over the country's refusal to cut wages and pensions and liberalize the labour market. According to Greek media sources, European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker sent a memo to the Greek government on 18 May 2015 outlining proposals to find an agreement in the bailout discussions. This proposal came to no conclusion. In the margins of the Eastern Partnership summit in Riga on 21 May, a meeting between Greece, France and Germany was concluded without any tangible result. |
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| Source Link | https://euobserver.com/economic/128669 |
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| Countries / Regions | Europe, Greece |
