EU Commission: seeking unity in EU after Spain, Portugal clash with Greece / Greece could need third bailout, says euro commissioner

The European Commission (EC) said on 2 March 2015 it was mediating between Spain, Portugal and Greece after Madrid and Lisbon complained to the EC about accusations by Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras that they were conspiring against Athens.

Mr Tspiras accused Spain and Portugal of leading a conservative conspiracy to topple his anti-austerity government because they feared the rise of the left in their own countries.

Spain's economy minister Luis de Guindos later revealed a new rescue plan was being prepared and would set more flexible conditions for Greece. European Commission Vice President Valdis Dombrovskis also said that a third bailout could be needed when the second programme expired in June 2015. However, a spokesperson for the Eurogroup president Jeroen Dijsselbloem quickly rejected the existence of any discussion on a third bailout.

• Primary Source

ESO: Background information: Greece has sent reform plans, a 'valid starting point,' says EU source http://www.europeansources.info/record/greece-has-sent-reform-plans-a-valid-starting-point-says-eu-source/

EUObserver, 02.03.15: Greece needs 'new arrangement' on debt deal https://euobserver.com/economic/127830

The Guardian, 01.03.15: Alexis Tsipras comes under fire from Spanish prime minister http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/mar/01/alexis-tsipras-comes-under-fire-from-spanish-prime-minister

EurActiv, 02.03.15: War of words rages between Athens and Madrid http://www.euractiv.com/sections/euro-finance/war-words-rages-between-athens-and-madrid-312524

BBC News, 02.03.15: Greece bailout: EU 'mediating' Greek row with Spain and Portugal http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-31696596

The Local.es, 02.03.15: Tsipras comments 'not the done thing': Germany http://www.thelocal.es/20150302/germany-denounces-tsipras-attack-on-spain-and-portugal

EUObserver, 02.03.15: EU commission seeks 'unity', after southern states clash https://euobserver.com/political/127839

EurActiv, 03.03.15: EU denies talk of third Greek bailout plan http://www.euractiv.com/sections/euro-finance/eu-denies-talk-third-greek-bailout-plan-312557

EUObserver, 03.03.15: Greece could need third bailout, says euro commissioner https://euobserver.com/news/127850

France24, 02.03.15: EU seeks unity after Greece's Tsipras blasts Spain, Portugal for 'bailout blackmail' http://www.france24.com/en/20150302-eu-greece-spain-portugal-bailout/

EUObserver, 04.03.15: Greece looking for fresh money as deadlines loom https://euobserver.com/economic/127862

Euro|Topics: Main Focus, 05.03.15: Is Athens provoking a 'Graccident'? http://www.eurotopics.net/en/home/presseschau/archiv/archiv_dossier/DOSSIER159467-Is-Athens-provoking-a-Graccident

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