The European Commission’s spokesman Margaritis Schinas argued that a mutually beneficial agreement between Greece and Europe may be reached by the Eurogroup sessions scheduled for the 16th of February. Mr. Schinas made the statement when asked about the recent trip of Euroworking Group chief Thomas Wieser and the Commission’s Declan Costello in Athens.
The European official avoided commenting whether there was any progress in the talks with Greek authorities, noting instead that the Commission is working hard, on a technical level, so that next Wednesday’s Eurogroup is carried out in the best possible conditions. Mr. Schinas added that the Commission is in close touch with all sides.
Ultimately though, the final decision for Greece will be taken by the 19 Eurozone members, citing EC president Jean-Claude Juncker’s recent statement that Europe will respect Greece so long as Greece respects Europe.
Other European sources suggested that there was little progress in the discussions in Athens, as both sides are said to have presented their own “red lines” which they are not willing to go over in the upcoming negotiations. Nevertheless, the same sources were optimistic of an agreement being reached by the 16th of February.
