Brussels, 24/05/2012 (Agence Europe) - On Thursday 24 May 2012, the EU27 heads of state said they wanted Greece to remain in the euro, as long as it meets its commitments under the second bailout package (agreed upon in March). 'We discussed the political and economic situation in Greece. We want Greece to remain in the euro area while respecting its commitments. We are fully aware of the significant efforts already made by the Greek citizens. The eurozone has shown considerable solidarity, having already disbursed together with the IMF nearly 150 billion euros in support of Greece since 2010. We will ensure that European structural funds and instruments are mobilised to bring Greece on a path towards growth and job creation. Continuing the vital reforms to restore debt sustainability, foster private investment and reinforce its institutions is the best guarantee for a more prosperous future in the euro area. We expect that after the elections, the new Greek Government will make that choice,' said the president of the European Council, Herman Van Rompuy.
The president of the European Commission, José Manuel Barroso, said that the message was very clear - the EU will stand by Greece as long as it keeps its commitments. He refused to comment on suggestions of scenarios like a return to the drachma. Earlier in the evening, after private talks with the caretaker Greek prime minister, Panagiotis Pikrammenos, Barroso said: 'The least difficult and quickest way out of the crisis is the full implementation of the second programme agreed by Greece and its international partners.'
Asked about reports by Reuters that the Member States would be asked to prepare for the eventuality of Greece leaving the euro, the French president, François Hollande, said that he was not aware of this kind of simulation. Upon arrival at the informal summit, he said that Greece had an important choice to make on 17 June and it should choose Europe. The German chancellor, Angela Merkel, suggested making greater use of the EU Structural Funds to support the Greek economy. The Italian prime minister, Mario Monti, said he had high hopes that wisdom would win out and the Greeks would elect political parties that would not renege on the commitments made under the second financial bailout. The Polish prime minister, Donald Tusk, said a rather gloomy question mark was hovering over the eurozone because of the absence of political answers to the future of Greece. (MB along with EH/AN/MM/JK/transl.fl)