During the EP Plenary session (03-06/10) in Strasbourg, MEPs debate on the macroeconomic situation in Greece. Statements by Pierre MOSCOVICI, Member of the EC in charge of Economic and Financial Affairs, Taxation and Customs, Burkhard BALZ (EPP, DE), Roberto GUALTIERI (S&amp;D, IT), Notis MARIAS (ECR, EL), Jean ARTHUIS (ALDE, FR), and Sven GIEGOLD (Greens/EFA, DE).

EU - Greece (T)

Strasbourg

debate

plenary session

MARIAS, Notis (ECR, EL)

GUALTIERI, Roberto (S&D, IT)

economic situation in Greece (T)

MOSCOVICI, Pierre (PSE, FR, EC)

GIEGOLD, Sven (Greens/EFA, DE)

ARTHUIS, Jean (ALDE, FR)

BALZ, Burkhard (EPP, DE)

Macroeconomic situation in Greece: extracts from the debate

SOUNDBITE (French), Pierre MOSCOVICI, Member of the EC in charge of Economic and Financial Affairs, Taxation and Customs, We also look into progress made on the most recent mile stones which are essential for the disbursement remaining first sub tranche and the second sub trance, measures were be adopted in September in regards to the reform of the pension scheme, governance of banks, liberalisation of the energy market and privatisation and the independent agency of public revenue. So all of these reforms which have already been adopted in terms of principles need to be further worked out.

SOUNDBITE (French), Pierre MOSCOVICI, Member of the EC in charge of Economic and Financial Affairs, Taxation and Customs, I hope that we will be able to conclude on this point at the Euro meeting on the 10th of October, no need to say that there a very few days left, we have International Monetary Fund Assembly which will be meeting as well tomorrow and could launch an appeal to the Greek government, it is of crucial importance that we will be able to conclude between now and Monday, which is the day of the Euro Group meeting in Luxembourg.

SOUNDBITE (German), Burkhard BALZ (EPP, DE), We are in a very important phase, the first tranche was paid in June despite the fact that the reforms had only be implemented half-heartedly, the second big test is ahead of us, 2.8 Billion should be forthcoming shortly and the Greek government have to deliver for that, the Euro group minister observed in the September that there was inadequate progress and that they would not be able to give a positive assessment, therefore the ball is clearly now in the court of Greece.

SOUNDBITE (Italian), Roberto GUALTIERI (S&amp;D, IT), We know that that 2nd review will be a difficult exercise, it has to be a balanced one in particular in regards to the reform of the employment market. And in that context it would be appropriate for the IMF to abstain in adding oil to the fire in a very difficult budget procedure, suggesting other measures which are really not necessary.

SOUNDBITE (Greek), Notis MARIAS (ECR, EL), Instead of reducing the debt they forced it upwards even higher, it is now at a rate of 240 percent of GDP of this year. So we have not seen any of the benefits coming back into the country.

SOUNDBITE (French), Jean ARTHUIS (ALDE, FR), Those who are in charge of the policy for Greece got to work closely with Greek parliamentarians and Greek institutions so that we have a democratic pact which can save the Greek economy, we cannot have the Finance Ministers in the Euro group meeting together behind closed doors sorting out some golden rules which suits them.

SOUNDBITE (German), Sven GIEGOLD (Greens/EFA, DE), For example the privatisation fund is not transparent and that does not comply with European values, any more than partial privatisation of water supply and I think it is a good thing that the Greek government is talking about comprehensive privatisation with the Greek Courts with the view in stopping it. Mr Moscovici investment in new coal plants is dead investment, what we need there is new sustainable energy and that&rsquo;s what we should investing in, energy efficiency does also bring jobs for the future, new coal plants destroy the environment and don&rsquo;t create new jobs.

SOUNDBITE (German), Sven GIEGOLD (Greens/EFA, DE), Many people have suffered as a result of the implementation of the reform programms of the Troika of course, people who were poor have suffered even more. And we recognise that that even the European Court has made it possible for individuals to bring claims against the European Commission. Our group has decided individuals that have brought claims against the European Commission should be helped through European law so that they are able to achieve justice.