Programme
Juncker heralds MoU exit but fails to add clarity during Athens visit
While the visit of European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker to Athens on Thursday was seen as a symbolic gesture ahead of Friday’s Eurogroup and within the context of the final months of Greece’s third programme, it did little to provide clarity regarding the obstacles that have to be overcome in the coming weeks.
Lenders still aiming for completion of fourth review in May
Greece’s creditors do not appear to have given up on the hope of completing the fourth review next month even though dozens of prior actions have not been completed.
After Washington talks, debt relief and fiscal remain main obstacles on way to MoU exit
The clarity that the Greek government had hoped might emerge from the discussions at the sidelines of the International Monetary Fund Spring Meetings failed to materialise and significant issues relating to the post-programme period will have to be resolved in the coming weeks.
Debt, fiscal path still divide lenders ahead of Washington Group meeting
All eyes will be on Friday’s meeting of the so-called Washington Group at the sidelines of the International Monetary Fund’s Spring Meetings, with Athens hoping that the gathering of some of its lenders will provide greater clarity about the upcoming programme exit.
Ahead of IMF Spring Meetings, questions remain about conclusion of programme
Attention is due to turn to Washington this week in the hope that the discussions which take place at the sidelines of the International Monetary Fund’s Spring Meetings will provide some clarity on the conclusion of the Greek programme and what will follow.
Athens presents growth plan outline as lenders continue to differ on debt relief
A meeting of the Eurogroup Working Group (EWG) on Thursday gave the Greek government a first opportunity to hear feedback on its growth strategy and get an idea of the lenders’ thoughts on debt relief.
Prior actions and crucial meetings dominate agenda for rest of month
The pressure is back on the Greek government following the Easter break as it is thought that around 75 prior actions have to be completed in the coming weeks.
Much ground to cover on prior actions despite privatisation progress
This week’s report in German newspaper Handelsblatt concerning some of the debt relief proposals that are being put together ahead of more discussions this month have rekindled interest in the subject in Greece despite progress in the fourth review still appearing limited.
PM livens up ministers over fourth review as debt relief proposals are put together
Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras urged his ministers on Tuesday to concentrate on any tasks they have related to the fourth review, thereby ensuring that the government does not put at risk the timely conclusion of the third programme this summer.
Complications over reforms cast doubt on June target for global deal
With 10 days to go until the meeting of the Euro Working Group on April 12, the onus is on the Greek government to start ticking off more prior actions even though speculation is rife that a global deal between Athens and the lenders may have to wait until July, rather than June.