NewEurope.eu — New meetings are necessary next week to reach a Staff Level Agreement (SLA) deal, say the EU institutions – the European Commission, the European Stability Mechanism (ESM), still positioning the 20 March Eurogroup meeting as a turning point for Greece’s second review negotiations of the third bailout programme.
IMF: Discussions will continue on pension and labour market reforms
The International Monetary Fund however, keeps its file the EU institutions continue holding a more cautious position, lowering expectations towards the 20 March meeting of the Eurozone finance ministers.
“A Fund team has held discussions with the Greek authorities on a program that could be supported by the IMF. The discussions have taken place in close coordination with the teams from the European Commission, the European Central Bank and the European Stability Mechanism (ESM) that have been engaged in policy discussions with the Greek authorities in the framework of the second review of the ESM program. Important progress has been made during these discussions on a balanced fiscal package and a number of key reforms, notably in the financial sector. Discussions will continue next week, notably on pension and labor market reforms,” said Gerry Rice, IMF Spokesperson on Thursday.
The EU institutions approach on the negotiations, eliminates the pension and labor market reforms requirements. “Follow up meetings that have been scheduled for next week in advance of the Eurogroup on 20 March. The aim is to rapidly conclude a staff level agreement,” added a Commission spokesperson.
Greek finance minister official: Progress confirmed at Euroworking group meeting
Athens marks “significant progress confirmed” at Eurogroup’s preparatory meeting, that took place on Thursday evening in Brussels. EU institutions heads of mission participated in the meeting via teleconference, as the day still found them concluding with the talks in Athens.
According to Athens, meetings of the heads of mission with Greece will continue meetings in Athens with the Greek government, while the technical teams will also work via teleconference.
