Brussels, 30/04/2015 (Agence Europe) - On 30 April, the European Commission welcomed the new shot in the arm given to negotiations between Greece and its creditors.
“Talks have resumed and they were held in a constructive spirit. We welcome the steps taken to deepen and intensify contacts”, said Margaritis Schinas, spokesperson to the European institution. When asked about the potential new list of Greek reforms, he reiterated that it was an interactive process and that complete commitment would be required from Greece.
Athens and its creditors resumed their work in Brussels, with the discussions to continue until Sunday. This does not mean that an agreement is expected for Sunday, Brussels warned. These talks have been described as being more structured and substantial, thanks to a reinforced Greek team armed with a proper negotiating mandate.
The Greek party, which has sent some 20 negotiators to Brussels, is still not planning to move from its red lines, particularly pensions reform, the point on which the IMF is particularly insistent. According to reports in the Greek press, following positive rumours emerging from the meeting of the euro working group, the hoped-for scenario will be as follows: the Eurogroup of 11 May concludes with a positive statement, which will be enough for the ECB to agree to raise the level of Greek bonds which can be bought by Greek banks. The Greek government has to pay back €1 billion to the IMF in May, with €760 million due on 12 May. It will issue €875 million euros' worth of six-month treasury bonds on 6 May, in order to meet this repayment deadline. (Elodie Lamer)