Athens News Agency: News in English, 05-10-05

Athens News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

From: The Athens News Agency at <http://www.ana.gr/>

CONTENTS

[01] EU sees progress in Greek debt-cutting drive

[01] EU sees progress in Greek debt-cutting drive

"Through recommendations, the aim is to lower the deficit and ensure the viability of the Greek economy," Joaqu?n Almunia, the European Union's commissioner for economic and monetary affairs, told reporters "So far, progress is good."

Speaking after a meeting with Finance Minister George Alogoskoufis, the commissioner noted that Greece would send the EU a report on performance of the national economy in 2005 and the outlook for 2006.

"The report will be evaluated and we will reach our own conclusions. I cannot pre-empt the outcome of talks between the finance ministry and European Union," Almunia said. "I hope that things will go well in 2006, and that the public debt will be below 3.0% at the end of that year."

The commissioner also reported that cooperation had been close with the finance ministry over the last 18 months, and cooperation with the minister himself had been very good.

Alogoskoufis added that the government would give the EU two reports by the end of October - one on the growth and stability plan and another on economic reform.

Athens News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article