Optimism about tranche disbursement on Monday

Greece has fulfilled its obligations and now it’s the turn of IMF and the EU," PM Samaras repeated before the meeting with Eurogroup chairman Jean-Claude Juncker, and that "the issue is not just about Greece because it is a matter of competitiveness and growth in the Eurozone."

Asked if he is optimistic about Greece, Juncker said "if you are not optimistic you lose everything." The two men discussed the Greek issue in view of the Monday meeting that is expected to seal the disbursement of the tranche.

Germany is already under pressure for an agreement on the issue of the sustainability of the Greek debt. The Greek prime minister might meet with German Chancellor Angela Merkel tomorrow.

Moments ago the prime minister entered the meeting of the prime ministers of the 15 countries in the Friends of Cohesion group seeking to increase the EU budget for 2014-2020, which is also the subject of the summit.
The summit will begin at 22:00 and is expected to be very difficult as there are many different opinions about the EU funds among the 27 members. The southern countries are seeking an increased budget and larger appropriations while the rich countries of the north are even seeking to decrease the amounts in the EU proposal.

The Greek government is negotiating the disbursement of the tranche and the funds for 2014-2020, claiming increased funds that will rely on the economy data that came after 2010, when Greece fell into its current crisis.

The argument is that an increased aid package is necessary for the recovery of the Greek economy, which affects the search for a solution for debt sustainability. More funds will help Greece get on a growth course and be able to meet its debt obligations.