Europe

Athens sets during credit negotiations on the European Parliament

A working group in the Strasbourg Parliament wants to accompany the Greek reform program is active. An advantage for Greece, especially in times of refugee crisis? Jannis Papadimitriou reports from Athens.

Left Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras had requested this step for a long time: Already in the summer of 2015, he called for the accession of the EU Parliament and the creditor-Quartet, comprising the EU Commission, the European Central Bank (ECB), the International monetary Fund (IMF) and the Euro-protective shield ESM. He think it is politically necessary, that “the only European Institution with a direct mandate to” contribute to the Monitoring of the Greek reform programme.

Its obvious calculus: The representatives of the people would raise their voice against too strict austerity and a kind of control over the control your exercise. That you are not on a par with the creditors of Greece, it was clear to all Concerned. After all, at the beginning of 2016 formed in the European Parliament, a working group for Greece by the name of “Financial Assistance Working Group (“FAWG). With all of the members of the economic Committee (ECON) from all political groups under the leadership of the Italian social Democrats, Roberto Gualtieri.

This week the deputies were for the first time on a fact-finding mission in Athens. At a press conference Gualtieri commented quite positively about the Greek reform efforts. Whether the statements of Tsipras rises? For the left members of Parliament and EP Vice-President Dimitris Papadimoulis The EU is clear: “the Parliament is acting as an honest broker and controller, if not the most important player in these negotiations. I believe our Mission in Athens will contribute to the ongoing Review of the Greek reform is completed successfully.”

The German MEP Burkhard Balz (CDU), which also participates in the Greece-Mission, points out: “The members of Parliament to take no direct influence on the negotiations and have only the order to accompany the reform process in a country, the EU aid.” Decisions would be made by other institutions, as well as of the EU member States.

One of the sticking points: The pension reform in Greece

Hope to reach agreement with creditors

At one point, the CDU politician and the left papadimoulis are, after all, agreed that The Review of Greek progress with reform by the donors should be continued. As the sticking points, a comprehensive pension and tax reform, as well as the establishment of a privatisation Fund.

From the findings are positive, the donors, the disbursement of the next loan instalment depends on – and perhaps even much more, believe Papadimoulis: A breakthrough serve as a stepping-stone to Greece’s economy, let the years of recession. After reaching an agreement with creditors, the reduction of the Greek debt burden belong on the agenda of the EU, admonishes the left-politician.

According to the agreement, the Review of the Greek reform would have to take place in projects already in last autumn. Due to the difficult internal political situation, however, there was significant delays. Now the Finance Minister, Euclid Tsakalotos represents a breakthrough until mid-April. At his press conference in Athens, the EP delegation chief Gualtieri of significant Reform of the language progress, and not praised last the prospect of an “ambitious” pension reform. Potential savings there are, in his view, the Athenians, the guardian reported. With the liberalisation of the energy market action was necessary. The agreements between Greece and its creditors would need to be implemented, said Gualtieri.

The Crux Of The Refugee Crisis

The editorial recommends

Revenues have stalled in Greece

Disillusionment for the left-led government of Alexis Tsipras: 2015 increases taken to the Treasury of around 600 million euros less than in the previous year, in spite of drastic tax. (20.02.2016)

Foreclosures in Greece

Almost unnoticed has been changed in Greece at the end of last year, a law for the benefit of the banks. Of the 300,000 insolvent debtor, your first home could lose the seat. From Athens Andrea Kasiske.
(16.02.2016)

The Greeks are running out of time

After six years of recession in Greece also once-healthy companies. The lack of perspective robs the next Generation of important learning years. From Athens reported by Pavlos Zafiropoulos. (25.01.2016)

In Athens is according to think about whether or not the creditors of the already ailing Greece due to the refugee crisis and more time in achieving the objectives of the reform are to grant. EU Parliament President Martin Schulz has proposed this already.

Vice President Papadimoulis want to visually avoid the impression that Athens is engaged in horse-trading. “The Greek government is not saying: Come and tell me in the case of the pension reform, then I’ll meet you at the refugee crisis,” the left politician. And he adds: “on the Other hand, I note that all the EU institutions take on the financial burden of the refugee crisis, and I think that the necessary expenditure, if, even in hindsight, to be taken into account.” His talks in Athens would have strengthened this impression, reported Papadimoulis.

Burkhard Balz concerns while expressing understanding for the Greek bailout, argues for a clear separation between the financial and refugee crisis: He would not put the two in a relationship, says the CDU politician. It was clear, however, that the EU has to help Greece in tackling the refugee crisis – “in very concrete terms, with money and personnel”.