Programme
Primary residences and lignite units top agenda ahead of Eurogroup
Although Greece is not on the agenda for Monday’s Eurogroup, the meeting will provide Finance Minister Euclid Tsakalotos with the chance to discuss with the country’s lenders a range of issues related to the post-bailout commitments the government has to complete.
Lenders fret over reform delays as Brussels revises 2019 growth forecast upwards to 2.2 pct
The institutions have put on record their concern about the delays from the Greek side regarding the implementation of the post-MoU reforms just as Athens pledged that it will be ready to legislate a new framework for the protection of primary residences by the end of the month.
Second post-MoU review hinges on NPL plan and protection for primary residences
An uncomfortable Euro Working Group meeting last week has left Athens with much to do in the coming days as it seeks to obtain the green light for the disbursement of the ANFA and SMP bond profits in March.
Athens poised to unveil new minimum wage as post-MoU review continues
The government is preparing to announce a new minimum wage and the scrapping of the sub-minimum salary for under-25s, just days after talks with the institutions regarding the second post-programme review concluded in Athens.
Institutions wrap up talks with focus on NPLs, primary residences and budget
Discussions between the Greek government and the institutions were due to draw to a close on Thursday, leaving Athens with 2-3 weeks to complete the 16 reforms that are pending as part of the second review of the post-programme era.
Second post-MoU review set to begin as Athens eyes return to bond markets
The second review of the enhanced surveillance period is due to get underway in earnest on Tuesday, when the institutions’ mission chiefs are expected to hold their first meeting of the year in Athens with government officials.
Lenders put spotlight back on pending reforms ahead of second post-MoU review
As Greece approaches the six-month mark after officially exiting its final bailout programme, the government’s to-do list still remains substantial.
New court verdict adds to concern about impact of backpay on fiscal balance
Another court decision on backpay has revived fears that in the months to come the Greek government could be facing an additional spending outlay that may threaten to derail plans to maintain a primary surplus of 3.5 percent of GDP until 2022.
Fresh reminder about pending reforms for Athens, which remains confident on goals
Speaking at the Capital Link Forum in New York on Tuesday, a day after European Commission official Declan Costello had issued another reminder that Athens must ensure it completes its pending reforms on time, Finance Minister Euclid Tsakalotos appeared confident that there would not be any delays.
Athens moves quickly to scrap pension cuts as Eurogroup inches forward on euro reform
The Greek government wasted no time following the conclusion of the Eurogroup on Tuesday, as it submitted to Parliament draft legislation that will lead to the pension cuts that had been lined up for next year being cancelled.