During the plenary session (2-5 July 2018) in Strasbourg, Mário CENTENO, President of the Eurogroup debate with MEPs on the Conclusion of the third economic adjustment programme for Greece

EU - Greece (T)

Strasbourg

debate

plenary session

economic situation in Greece (T)

Eurogroup (euro area)

CENTENO, Mário (PT)

Conclusion of the third economic adjustment programme for Greece: extracts from the debate and from the statement by Mário CENTENO, President of the Eurogroup

SOUNDBITE (English), M&#225;rio CENTENO, President of the Eurogroup, Today Greece is ready to stand on its own feet again and has the sound foundation for a sustainable, balanced and inclusive growth. The agreement reached at the June Eurogroup is key for Greece to achieve that goal.

SOUNDBITE (English), M&#225;rio CENTENO, President of the Eurogroup, Economic growth has been back in positive territory since last year, the economy grew by 1.4% in 2017 and it's expected to increase 1.9% this year. The outlook according to the latest forecast is bright and in line with the Euro area average.

SOUNDBITE (French), Pierre MOSCOVICI, Member of the EC in charge of Economic and Financial Affairs, Taxation and Customs, We can see that Greece is on the right path to economic recovery and on a far more solid basis. We can see that there has been a a considerable performance in budgetary terms and we have a surplus of 0.8% in 2017. In 2009 Greece showed the highest deficit 15% in the European Union. Unemployment is been reduced slowly yes but at least there is progress there.

SOUNDBITE (Greek), Manolis KEFALOGIANNIS (EPP, EL), <p>I can't agree with Commissioner Moscovici because now Greece has to face a ''new fourth programme''. Don't you think that the fact that Greece is having to implement 5.1 billion euros of measures in the next few years constitutes another programme, which is going to be about 10% of the country's GDP? There is no room for celebrations or triumphology. What Greece needs are reforms and investments.</p>

SOUNDBITE (English), Roberto GUALTIERI (S&amp;D, IT), The agreement reached by the Eurogroup on the conclusion of the third ESM programme and the additional debt relief is a milestone in the process of returning Greece to sustainable growth and to autonomy.

SOUNDBITE (English), Ramon TREMOSA i BALCELLS (ALDE, ES), We all know that the reform process has been painful for many Greek citizens, but it is very good news that Greece can stand on its feet. I would like to ask the Commission and the Greek government to continue the implementation of the approved legislation. Full implementation on EU law will generate conversions in the quality of work in an institutional framework with the best European countries.

SOUNDBITE (French), Philippe LAMBERTS (Greens/EFA, BE), <p>For decades and decades we've seen that there has been negligence, tax evasion for the privileged citizens, the governments have not take the opportunity to reform their country at the time, but obviously Greece wasn't alone. They were able to go in such indebtedness because there were those willing to lend money to Greece.</p>

SOUNDBITE (Greek), Dimitrios PAPADIMOULIS (GUE/NGL, EL), Today's statements by Mr. Centeno from Eurogroup and Mr. Moscovici from the Commission reineforce the fact that Greece has made a huge step forward. We are entering a new and more positive period for the country. Those of us who have fought and participated in this positive step feel a great sense of satisfaction. But we are not celebrating, because a large section of the Greek people have suffered a great deal and are continuing to suffer because of the terrible consequences of austerity measures and the principles of the memorandum.