Samaras: We can get 20% more funds from the EU

The Greek government seems optimistic about next Monday’s Eurogroup and the disbursement of the tranche. The Greek prime minister remained in Brussels after the summit to continue contacts with personalities from across the Atlantic. Samaras has already spoken with Christine Lagarde and Timothy Geithner.

A government source said that "had we not carried out the mammoth task of quickly closing the 72 prerequisites, then we would have no hope for positive developments next Monday. If we were not okay in our obligations, then they would not have disagreed last week and would have thrown us out. It was more than one country that sought such a development. Failure at the next summit will be due to the difficulties faced by Europe. The solution of the Greek problem is a matter of credibility of the European Union as well."

The government is taking into account the developments inside the country as well. An associate of the Greek prime minister said "there is no other option for Greece, and it is important that the government has political forces from across the political spectrum." But they say they are ready for any eventuality after the meeting on Monday, although they avoid the negative possibility.

Shortly after the summit Samaras said: "The meeting on the budget did not reach an agreement. We thoroughly discussed all the views of member-states; there is an understanding of the positions of each country, but there was no conclusion."

"The budget will be discussed at the beginning of 2013 and will not be included in the discussions on banks in the next meeting in December. The starting point on funds claimed by Greece was low, at 11.2 billion euros. There is reduction in the amount of EU cohesion funds against an increase of members seeking a share."

"But above all it is due to the fact that Greece was dealt with using data from 2007-2009, before the crisis. We fought for an increase in Greece’s amount and for special treatment because of the prolonged crisis. Everything indicates that our participation in the funds can significantly increase, perhaps by 20% more than we were originally given, according to Rompuy’s statements. There is also the issue of the loan tranche and the Eurogroup on Monday. I had crucial contacts with my counterparts and officials from the EU, and Yannis Stournaras also had contacts with his counterparts. We talked about the release of the tranche and an increase of the budget. The talks will continue until the last minute on Monday. There is progress on all fronts."