Greece, expected ok Eurogroup to aid. Remains debt problem – ANSA.it

(ANSA) – BRUSSELS, MAY 24 – For the first time since the third rescue the Eurogroup has nothing to reproach or ask Greece. It is no longer Athens because of his bad because, fulfilled all the demands of creditors, has earned the ok to the second tranche of aid from 10 billion. The problem to solve now is the conflict between the institutions, in particular between the Eurogroup and the International Monetary Fund who are unable to reach an agreement on debt relief, needed to keep the fund in the program and then reassure Europeans about that will not have to increase their contributions. The ministers, in what promises to be a meeting of the river, trying to reach an agreement avoiding the possibility of other extraordinary meetings.

The differences of opinion between Washington and the establishment of the European have been heard since the signing of ‘agreement last summer. The IMF immediately clarified that he would enter the program only when the EU would face the taboo of restructuring the Greek debt, too high to send forward a credible assistance program. The latest projections of the IMF see the greek debt blast to 250% of GDP in 2060, a fact that prevents the Fund to embark in the enterprise. The surplus on the target set by the EU (3.5%) is much disputed: “Unrealistic”, called it once again in the analysis of two days ago.

The distance with the EU is therefore still difficult to fill, but the ministers still point to a comprehensive agreement in principle ”, as defined by the Irish Minister, allowing both to release the second tranche of aid to come to terms with the IMF. Giving assurances on debt restructuring, perhaps identifying a ‘road map’ on more precise measures of ‘easing’ of the passive state that is more and more with inflating the increase in lending. But to become a part of the aid program, thus releasing its contribution, the Fund wants something more. It would take at least an immediate extension of maturities. A move that Germany and its allies such as Finland do not yet seem willing to do. Coming to toy with the idea of ​​’download’ the Fund. His participation “should not be at all costs,” said Finnish Finance Minister Alexander Stubb, while his colleague Schaeuble ruled out going forward without. A game of the parts to probe the content of reactions.

But the majority thinks in another way: “There is an option to go ahead in the greek program without the IMF,” said the president of ‘Eurogroup Jeroen Dijsselbloem, explaining that the aim of the Ministers is “to reach an agreement with the IMF.” For this they are willing to consider the issue of debt, finding a way to help Athens to honor it “in the coming years” if he does not do it alone. The hope is that the resulting “total package”, as called for by Minister Pier Carlo Padoan, expressing a “serene optimism” for the meeting. Admitting, however, that the discussion is “complex” and multifaceted. In any case, according to Padoan, “should be recognized the reform efforts by countries and goes out of her way to ensure that the Greek economy will return to the markets and finance itself and not only with the support of other countries.” (ANSA).