The first round of substantial and direct negotiations that began at yesterday’s Eurogroup may not have resulted in an agreement, as expected after all, but it gave the opportunity to both the Greek and European side to clarify positions and intentions.
The European obsession with upholding the commitments that we have agreed to up to now and Greece remaining in some sort of program – however it may be called – is a given. The public statements of most European ministers before the conference, even if they recognized hat the electoral result requires a discussion on the terms of the agreement, focused on the implementation of EU regulations and obligations.
After today’s Summit, things are expected to clear up, with the ministers and other European officers entering negotiations, aiming for the Europe on next Monday. That is where the second and most decisive part of the negotiation will take place, which will determine whether the Greek proposals for a bridge program are compatible with the demands of our partners.
The main problem, besides the differing opinions, is time. An extended bout of uncertainty, more so with unfinished business, neither suits, nor helps Greece and Europe.
The distance of opinion is huge, which suggests that the talks in the forthcoming days will be difficult, painful and it seems that the Greek side will be under immense pressure to submit an application for induction in some sort of program.
The failure to issue a joint statement after last night’s Eurogroup indicates that there is still a long way to bridge the gaps, with the main difference being what sort of program Greece will have, if at all.
It is positive that the talks will continue, but it is clear that brave political decisions are necessary on both sides, in order to come to the necessary compromise and avoid the impasse that everyone hopes will not the be case.
TO VIMA
