Brussels, 19/03/2014 (Agence Europe) - On Wednesday 19 March, Euro Commissioner Olli Rehn confirmed that the Greek government would be allowed to use part of the country's primary budget surplus (not including debt-servicing) for 2013 to help the most vulnerable sections of Greek society, as the Greek prime minister, Antonis Samaras, had announced the day before.
Rehn said that Greece would step up its work to boost social security in order to protect the most vulnerable, but refused to give any figures. He said the sum involved would be significant and that Athens remains “on track to meet agreed targets”. On Tuesday, the troika concluded its mission after finally reaching agreement with the Greek government on structural reforms. Rehn said: “It remains essential to stay the course of reform and adopt swiftly all the agreed policy measures”. A Greek finance ministry source said the negotiations had ended in a very good result. Rehn said the troika was now preparing its report for the Eurogroup in April, which will pave the way for the disbursement of aid that the Greek media suggest could be in the region of €8.5 billion. (EL)