Euroworking Group: the discussions on debt relief start behind closed doors

The Finance ministry is now preparing for a long waiting game. The EuroWorking Group is meeting over the approval of the 6.3 billion euro tranche to be given to our country, but Athens intends to put on the agenda the issue of the Greek debt relief, paving the way for the Eurogroup meeting on 5 May.

However, Giannis Stournaras is aware that although the Eurostat's announcement confirms the primary surplus in 2013, it doesn't guarantee the achievement of a comprehensive settlement of the debt, as was promised by the European partners.

In the discussions that are already taking place "behind closed doors", the debate on measures for the further relief of the Greek debt may be overshadowed by electoral considerations of the Member States. Giannis Stournaras keeps a low profile, knowing that the discussions will culminate after the elections and a solution may have to wait until late autumn.

The Government believes that the situation is still fragile and that the political initiative of the Minister of Finance for the launch of the debate should be kept low profile, both inside and outside Greece.
"For four years, Greece was threatened by default, and many of our foreign partners believed that a rebound would be impossible, that Greece was a burden for the European Union and a threat to global economy. The agreement won't be achieved that easily, it will take months and it cannot be taken for granted", stresses the Finance ministry.