Agreement on primary surplus and recession in 2013

The Troika auditors are clipping the estimates of the Greek government for a primary surplus this year, as they insist that any amount left over at the end of the year from the state budget should be calculated and agreed without tricks to even out the numbers. However, the auditors seem to accept that the recession will end this year at below 4% (probably 3.8-3.9%, lower than the 4.2% foreseen in the budget for this year).

“We only had a 0.1% deviation in the recession predictions for this year. Our aim is to agree this week in a small, realistic and sustainable surplus for the end of the year in order to progress the development of a draft of the state budget in two weeks' time,” an economic staff member who attended Stournaras’ meeting with the Troika said.

"The negotiations will be long, it will take time," a member of the foreign delegation said while a leading member of the Greek government added, "nothing will close if we do not close all the issues."

According to the Greek Finance Ministry this week officials from both sides will agree on the numbers of the new budget, the collection goals for 2013-2014 from privatizations and they almost agreed on a plan for rapid repayment of debts in EYDAP and EYATh.

Until October 10, officials will also consider issues such as the future of the EAS-ELVO and LARKO and many issues for 2014 (objectives, structural measures, etc.), while those for 2015 - 2016 will be considered after the Eurogroup on October 14.