Greece was now a country that was regaining its credibility and could be trusted, European Commissioner for Economic and Financial Affairs Pierre Moscovici said on Tuesday, while speaking to a group of Greek reporters in Brussels.
In contrast to the Brexit problem, which had caused such an upheaval and would dominate the European Council over the next two days, “Greece is not a problem for the Eurozone; it’s an asset,” Moscovici said.
The Commissioner forecast a return to growth for Greece during the second half of 2016 that will accelerate in 2017, saying the reason for this was the progress in reforms and a return of confidence, which was changing the climate.
“The conclusion of the last review was a very important step for building trust. The loan tranche was disbursed, providing oxygen to the economy. Yes, I have confidence in Greece,” he added and announced that he will be meeting with Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras when he visits Athens in the second half of July.
Moscovici highlighted the crucial role played by the European Commission in the process of concluding the first review, noting that European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker and himself “never accepted the idea of Grexit, supported Greece and will continue to hold the same position.”
He stressed repeatedly, however, that the programme agreed with Athens must be implemented.
“Nobody wants changes to the programme,” he said, adding that the 3.5 pct of GDP primary surplus is possible to achieve by sticking to the programme. Completing reforms and a return of market confidence will bring about the longed-for return to growth, the Commissioner added. He also referred to “constructive cooperation” with Greece’s Finance Minister Euclid Tsakalotos and Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras.
Fallout from Brexit
Briefing Greek reporters – including ANA-MPA journalists – on the fallout from Brexit, Moscovici said it was sad that a country like the Britain was divided, adding that he had London and Scotland in mind when saying this. “We have an obligation to reunite Europe,” he added, and to “build a better and stronger Europe.”
Asked what policies could achieve this, the Commissioner said it would be “win-win policies” that protected those who felt they had lost out as a result of globalisation, through investments, more democracy and a strengthening of the Eurozone. “We are committed to the integrity of the Eurozone,” he stressed.
Replying to an ANA-MPA question about the causes of Brexit, Moscovici said the UK had always been “aloof” from the EU, with its interest mainly focused on the single market and wanting the least possible union. He also charged that no side had seriously defended the EU in the run-up to the referendum, while some people had felt they were losing out in the globalised economy and society.
Asked whether France now felt “alone” against Germany, the Commissioner commented that France was not “against” but cooperating with Germany to build a new Europe together.
The delegation of Greek journalists was sent as part of a seminar organised by the Commission representation in Athens with the Dutch embassy in Greece, which includes a series of briefing contacts in Brussels and The Hague to mark the end of the Dutch EU presidency.
Source:banksnews.gr
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