Economy
Fourth review talks conclude with fiscal differences remaining
The talks between the Greek authorities and the heads of institutions concluded on Wednesday as the fourth post-programme moves on to the next stage.
Budget primary surplus confirmed at 2.91 bln in August
The budget primary balance recorded a surplus of 2.91 billion euros in the first eight months of 2019, compared to a surplus of 1.12 billion noted in August 2018, the Finance Ministry (MoF) budget execution bulletin confirmed on Wednesday.
Second day of review yields progress, work needed on fiscal front
The Greek authorities and the heads of the institutions completed the second day of talks in Athens that left fiscal issues for 2020 still open, although it was not anticipated that the matter would have been settled on this trip, ahead of the draft budget that is due to be tabled to Parliament on October 7.
PPC posts pre-tax loss of 274.8 mln in H1
The Public Power Corporation’s (PPC) results for the first half (H1) of the year showed that turnover from continued operations increased by 4.3 percent during the first six months of the year.
Fiscal issues dominate talks as fourth post-programme review ensues
The first round of discussions between the Greek authorities and the institutions was held on Monday and appears to have yielded the first areas of common ground, and revealed areas that have some way to go still.
Calls for measures to lessen impact of Thomas Cook collapse in Greece
The collapse of British travel firm Thomas Cook on Monday left around 50,000 tourists stranded in Greece, mainly on the country’s islands.
Travel balance up by 9.6 pct in July, German visitors continue to fall
Greece’s travel balance rose to 3.40 billion euros in July from 3.10 billion a year ago, Bank of Greece (BoG) data has shown. This equates to an increase of 9.6 percent year-on-year (YoY).
Government looks to review visit for nod on tax package
The scheduled visit by the institutions for the fourth post-MoU review will wrap up on Wednesday after three days of meetings between finance ministry officials and the heads of the institutions.
Current account balance shows surplus of 1.28 bln in July
Greece’s current account (C/A) balance came to a surplus of 1.28 billion in July, improving from a surplus of 874.4 million euros in June, according to Bank of Greece (BoG) figures released on Friday.
Industrial turnover rises by 4.3 pct in July
Greece’s industrial turnover increased by 4.3 percent year-on-year (YoY) in July following an upward revised drop of 7.7 percent in June, Hellenic Statistical Authority (ELSTAT) data published on Thursday showed.